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History^ Battery B 

One Hundred Third Field Artillery 
Twenty -Sixth Division 



WITH PICTORIAL SUPPLEMENT 



WRITTEN AND COMPOSED BY 
COMMITTEE FROM THE BATTERY 



APRIL, 1917, to APRIL, 1919 



PROVIDENCE: 

E. L. FREEMAN COMPANY, PRINTERS 

1922 



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Qme 

Date of Enlistment 

_ ate of §ailinO from 

Date of(>ftrrivarin fiance. 

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npO OUR COMRADES OF 
BATTERY B, WHO FELL 
WHILE FIGHTING FOR 
THEIR COUNTRY, THIS 
BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY 
DEDICATED. 




FOREWORD 



In preparing this book the writers have attempted, at least, 
to meet what they considered the two chief recjuirements of 
such a book. 

First, we have tried to compile an accurate record of the 
Batterv from the time it was formed until the time it was 
mustered out of the Federal Service. We have neither 
attempted to glorify nor make light of the hardships and 
achievements of the Battery. It is as it happened — nothing 
more and nothing less. 

In the second place by stories of what happened "Over 
There," by little incidents of our daily life, by a little word of 
each man in the Battery, we have tried to give the book a 
personal touch for everyone. 

The experiences we endured, the friendships we formed 
while in that best of all outlits, were too great for us ever to 
forget, but often even such great things as these are helped by 
a little reminder. If then in the days to come this book should 
serve as that reminder the writers will feel that their work, in 
spite of its imperfections and there are many, will not have 
been in vain. 

The Committee wishes to acknowledge its thanks to the 
officers of the Battery for their help in starting the book, 
especially to Captain Hanley, whose aid, in furnishing a place 
in which to work and other ways, has made the book possible ; 
and to the original book committee, especially F. C. Perkins, 
for supplying the material. 

The Committee which finally composed the book was made 
up of John W. Russell, Editor-in-Chief; R. E. Jordan, Editor; 
H. W. McCarthy, J. G. Emmons, W. A. Watson, P. C. Wilkin- 
son, F. Sisson, H. L. Emidy. 

R. E. Jordan 

For the Committee. 

[5] 




Major-General Clarence R. Edwards 



Headquarters Northeastern Department 

99 Chauncey Street 

Boston ii, Mass. 

August i8, 1920. 

I well recall the fine work of the 103rd Field .Xrtillery with their 
heavy guns and how after eighteen days in the advance at Chateau- 
Thierry that regiment started out shooting across the Marne and 
wound up firing across the Vesle and the last positions it took were 
in front of the Infantry of the 4th Division. 

In that regiment was "B" Battery, made up of Rhode Island 
lads. It stood well on its legs; it was well disciplined; it worked 
hard and had a marked spirit. I recall in the Chateau-Thierry 
advance how the battery were well forward and had maintained its 
fire in spite of the severe enemy shelling and numerous casualties. 
Especially was this true at Le Four a Verre where they were 
especially tried and did splendid work; also at the Ravine d'Haumont 
they were under desperate shelling and almost constant gas, but 
they kept their nerve and continued their fire, and only stopped at 
eleven o'clock on the morning of November nth, Armistice Day. 

My congratulations to that fine battery. 

Sincerely yours, 

CLARENCE R. EDWARDS 



[7 




Capt. Gerald T. Hanley 



aaa i iwin^|[;ifi i fiM!iillll!!llli!;ip|l||i!lil|i iiy 

GANIZATiaM 




TTEIRY- 



]]inTT^n';'::if!i--;i'i'"i;.'i^-'iT:--nTn?!ni! 




The Organization of Battery B, 103 F. A. 



Vl/HEN the Congress of the United States decided that the time had 
arrived when this country could no longer remain neutral, but 
must enter the great war raging in Europe, the first thing to follow the 
declaration of war against Germany was a call for volunteers. In 
different sections of the country this call was issued in different ways. 
In Rhode Island, it was mostly through National Guard units, among 
which, because of its border reputation. Battery A was prominent. 
Rhode Island was assigned three batteries of Field Artillery, to be 
formed through the addition of recruits, from the battery already men- 
tioned. Providence and vicinity immediately became the scene of an 
active campaign for men, and enlistment headquarters were established 
in the Central Fire Station. 

Posters, picturing "Rhode Island's Finest," with an empty saddle 
and a "place for you," or a battery of field artillery going into action on 
the gallop, aroused the young men's enthusiasm and brought many of 
them to the recruiting station. Then followed the physical examina- 
tion. "Did you ever have what's it?" We didn't know whether we 

[9] 



had (ir not. We said "no" and then hoped the doctor wouldn't call us an 
u,<j;ly name. Finally we were declared to be either physically "fit" or 
"unfit." If "fit" we were "sworn in." With our right hand raised 
we swore^not literally (we did that later) — to be good soldiers of the 
U. S. Army and do anything that Woodrow Wilson or his representative 
(we didn't know then that said rei)resentative could be a non-com) told 
us to do. Then we were ordered to report at the Marine Corps Armory 
for drill. 'Soon, enough men had raised their right hands, thus becoming 
members of Battery A, to make possible the division of that organization 
into three batteries. 

The oflicers and non-conis for these batteries were mostly all Battery 
A men with border e.xperience. The rest of the "old men" from the 
original battery were assigned equally to the three new batteries to form 
the backbone of the outfit. Then the recruits were assigned in the same 
way, and one of the finest — yes, the finest — outfit that Uncle Sam was to 
have fight for him was thus formed. Of course B Battery of the Rhode 
Island National Guard, later of the One Hundred and Third Field 
Artillery, Twenty-Sixth Division, and rightly proud of it. 

Tn command was Captain Gerald T. Hanley, prominent Rhode 
Islander in more than military circles. The other ofificers were Lieu- 
tenants MacLeod, Metcalf, Langdon and Sturges. These officers with 
First Sergeant, J. Siteman, began drilling the Battery as soon as it was 
formed. On Tuesday night of each week, it was "squads right" up and 
down Benefit Street. Once in a while for diversion the "doc" would 
jal) our arms with some "anti-something or other," or else our finger 
prints and other marks of identification would be taken. One Sergeant 
Haggerty, the "hard-boiled regular army boy," read us the Articles of 
War. When he finished and we knew all the things we could be shot 
for, there wasn't a man in the Battery without the conviction that some 
morning he would wake up to face a firing squad. We were given our 
first instructions in how to stand guard, told all about it, except how to 
duck it. But nothing was allowed to interefere with the real business 
of learning the first steps in "How to beat the Germans." On Thursday 
exenings it was "monkey drill," for the drivers — except for Mackie, he 
couldn't get on a horse so became a cook — and gun drill for the can- 
noneers at the Armory of Mounted Commands. Every Saturday and 
Sunday there were hikes under the command of Captain Chaffee. On 
these we recei\'ed a faint glimpse of what we were later to experience on 
hikes in France. 

[lo] 



During this time some clothing was issued and much was bought. 
Every man was equipped some way and instead of drilling in "civies" 
as we did at first, the boys wore khaki. The rough spots were fast 
disappearing and the boys were anxiously awaiting the orders to go to 
camp. 

THEY'RE OFF ! ! ! 

"You will report at Marine Corps Armory at 8:00 A. M., July 25th, 
in prescribed uniform for an indefinite period of field service." 

Early on the morning of July 25th, 1Q17, the "Big Bens" belched 
forth in every corner of the state arousing the young men who have 
since made history. It was our big day, the day of our first parade, and 
the beginning of our "indefinite period of field service." By half past 
seven Exchange Place was dotted with khaki-clad men wending their 




way to the Armory on Benefit Street, staggering under the weight of 
heavy barrack bags. The grind up Waterman Street was a tough one. 
At the Armory, after a short rest and an exchange of pleasantries, which 
included a few unkind remarks about the abnormal size of some of the 
bags, the command to "fall in " was given. Roll was called, the Battery 
reported present. The barrack bags, which were strewn all over Benefit 
Street, were carried into the Armory, and then the Battery fell in for a 
short drill under Captain Hanley. Before beginning the drill a little 

[11] 



uthice was jfi\cn us dii how lo conducL oursches like soldiers during Ihe 
parade, and we were told not to be nervous. 

The command was then gi\en to count off. After the fourth attempt 
it was a success. " vScjuads left ! " shouted the doughty little commander. 
The execution of this order resembled a gang rush for a Rocky Point car 
on a holiday afternoon or the stam])ede for the Commissary truck when 
chocolate was for sale. Chaotic conditions in Russia on Red Sunday 
might have been worse, but "you'll ha\-e to show^ us." We finally got 
straightened out — and "jjanned" t)ul. " Forward-Ho !" The Battery 
swung along Benefit Street with the ease and grace of veterans (?). Three 
or four times up and down the thoroughfare convinced the Captain that 
his oullit had a lot to learn about soldiering. 

Before being dismissed each man was the recipient of "deux francs, 
cinf|uante centimes," which in real honest-to-God American money is 
the equivalent oi "four-bits," (combien ?), with which to purchase 
noon-day rations. It would beggar words to describe the rush which 
was made for the Narragansett and Crown. After an enjoyable meal — 
at Child's — we reported again at one o'clock. A few more trial spins 
up and dowai the street and we marched down-town for the big e\'ent 
of the day — the farewell parade. 

At three o'clock the signal gun started the column moving. A trifle 
nervous the men adjusted their campaign hats for the last time, and a 
few of the Beau Brummels were seen dusting their shoes and leggings, 
and twirling their waxed moustaches. Rhode Island had turned out 
en masse, it seemed, to say farewell to its boys. And the boys did well, 
at least every one said so, and we were conceited enough to believe that 
we marched as well as any veterans could. The day was hot and our 
orders were to keep our eyes on the collar of the man in front of us. 
Some combination, but we did it — that is some t)f us did. Upon the 
return to Benefit Street Armory, Captain Hanley praised us upon the 
showing we had made, and we were dismissed for the night. 

At eight-thirty the next morning we lined u]) in front of the Marine 
Corps Armory for the last time. Shouldering the heavy barrack bags 
which we had left there the day before, we marched down town and 
scrambled aboard special cars. Three shrill blasts from a whistle and 
we were on our way to Quonset Point. Through the down-town section 
it seemed as if Bedlam was let loose. Bells, whistles, anything to make 
a noise. As we left the center of the city the din subsided until at last 
only the rumble of the cars could be heard, but Kaiser Bill heard that 
rumble and trembled. Rhode Island's finest was on its way. 



12 



OUR FIRST CAMP. 

Three hours after we left Providence our specials stopped at a small 
station and we were ordered to detrain. Our barrack bags were piled 
along the road to be carried to camp in a truck — lucky for us — and the 
Battery fell in for the hike to Camp Beeckman. We arrived there about 
noon and immediately upon our arri\-al each man was issued the thing 
a soldier most needs — a mess kit. These were soon in use holding our 
first meal as a Battery in field service. 

As soon as we were able to look the grounds over, we found that our 
first camp was an ideal one. Situated on the shores of Narragansett 
Bay, the breezes from the water made drill on those hot August days 
endurable. One half of the camp was covered with low wooden 
buildings, used for canteens, quartermaster store-houses, stables, and 
parallel streets of regulation army tents lengthened, in most cases by 
rows of "pup tents," which served as quarters for the men. At the end 
of and facing each company or battery street, was the officer's tents. 
The other half of the camp was used as a drill field, with the picket line 
and gun park at one end and a Y. M. C. A. hut at the other. There were 




[13] 




about one thousand men, almost all Rhode Islanders, in the camp. They 
made up the following outfits: Batteries A, B, and C, Field Artillery, 
Troops A, B, C, and M, and the Rhode Island Hospital Corps. All of 
these outfits later became part of the famous Twenty-Sixth Division. 

The first day after our arrival was spent 
in drawing equipment and fixing the 
Battery Street. The next day was Satur- 
day and at noon the first week-end passes 
were given out. These continued until we 
left the United States for service overseas. 
On Monday a regular schedule was 
outlined and continued with few changes 
during our training in the States. Our 
whole day from reveille at such an un- 
godly hour as five-thirty, until retreat at 
fi\'e-thirty in the afternoon was planned 
for us. There was plenty of policing, 
calisthenics, and drill, but time was also 
set aside each day for athletics and a swim.. 
From retreat until Taps at ten o'clock we 
were free to do as we pleased. 
Life in general at Camp Beeckman was the same thing over and over 
again. Once in a while something would happen to liven things up a 
bit, such as Heditsian jumping off the end of the wharf to learn to swim, 
or Nichols getting K. P. for starting a rumor that his shirt had been 
stolen, or a nice rain storm that would wash out the oflticers' quarters 
and give the men a job picking up officers' equipment. What stuff 
those men did have ! Lord Bassett with his latest ideas of a model 
incinerator was always a source of entertainment — and labor. We were 
also given another physical examination and a few of the men were 
discharged. A number of the men — mostly the men from old A Battery, 
left to go to Plattsburg. On August fifth we had our first review and 
were mustered into the Federal service. 

About two weeks later on August seventeenth, we received orders to 
move. At half-past four the next morning — Saturday — we began to 
break camp. Our equipment was taken to Davisville in trucks, and 
after "policing" the camp a number of times, we marched out of Camp 
Beeckman to the cheers (?) of the cavalry. After a four-mile hike we 
reached Davisville and began loading horses and equipment. The latter 



The Last Word in Tonsorial Art, 
" Shorty." — Quonset. 



14 



was easy and soon on, but the horses were a different proposition. 
Most of us were new at that game, still under Captain Hanky's 
directions we did well until it came the "Chinese Flag's" (Lt. Metcalf's 
horse) turn to go into a box car. Then followed an exciting time. No 
sooner would that horse's feet strike the ramp than he would rear up 
scattering the men in all directions. Finally a few of the old hands 
at the game blind-folded the horse, and then forced him into a car. That 
finished the loading and for a bunch of "rookies" we had made pretty 
good time. 

We travelled in the ordinary day coaches, twenty-five to a coach, 
something that we often thought of later on when we were crowded in a 
"Hommes 40." At two o'clock we left Davisville for the mobilization 
point of the Fifty-first Field Artillery Brigade. 



BATTERY PRESENT SIR : 

Much routine of the A. E. F. came down from G. H. Q. 

But part of the routine handed down, those oflicers never knew. 

For every night, in every town, the drill was just the same, 

As "Bucks" and "Non-Corns" took a whack at perfecting this refrain. 

(i) 

BonBon Jure, Medam, come on say voos. 
Monjey ici dez eufs bo-coo, 
Der Van Rouge aussi et o-der-vee 
Veet, veet medam, parti toot-sweet. 

(2) 

Ah wee, medam, bo-coo parley, 
Pert-etre ici jer coushay 
No voos deet, ser-nay-f ay-re-en. 
Say bon repas-say com-be-en. 

This routine was their favorite drill, all unknown to G. H. Q. And General Orders 
were soon forgot and replaced by " parley- vous." 



[15] 




i6l 



Camp Curtis Guild. 



4 6 A LL RIGHT ! Everybody out ! Line up ! " After seven hours 
of riding we had reached Boxford. A Httle station with a small 
kerosene lamp over the name just made that fact visible through a 
black darkness. We could hardly see the man we were supposed to be 
"dressing on", but after a while some sort of formation was obtained. 
The drivers were ordered to fall out to take care of the horses, and a 
detail of cannoneers was left behind to unload the eciuipment. After 
another attempt at formation, the rest of us started on what proved to 
be a hike of about a mile to Camp Curtis Guild. As we entered the 
camp and passed the cjuarters of the One Hundred and First and One 
Hundred and Second Regiments of Field Artillery, we formed the 
opinion that Camp Curtis Guild was a pretty neat place. But as we 
marched from the ideal positions picked by those outfits to what they 
had left, we began to doubt. As near as we could judge in the darkness 
we were standing in a swamp or something closely resembling one. 
Nothing could be done that night, and after another group of men had 
been detailed to wait up and unload the trucks that would bring our 
equipment from the train, the rest "corked off." It was a tough night 
for the details but by two o'clock Sunday morning the entire outfit was 
asleep under the stars. 

Early the next morning we were literally dragged out of bed. Our last 
impression the night before had been right. We were in a swamp with 
small trees and prickly shrubs growing everywhere. Breakfast was 
served early, and then work started on our Battery street. By noon it 
had been cleared sufficiently to permit us to erect our tents. By night, 
we doubted if the place could have been as bad as we at first thought it. 

Monday morning brought drill on the old Quonset Point schedule, 
but in between drills the boys worked on the street, decorating it with 
small white-washed stones and trees until in a week we had trans- 
formed the worst spot in camp into a street that was as neat and 
attractive as any. When we had time to go around and become ac- 

[17] 




quainlcd wc met the boys of ihe other three Batteries — two from Con- 
necticut and one from New Hanii)shire — which, with our three Batteries 
from Rhode Island, was to form the One Hundred and Third Field 
Artillery. 

While at Boxford some changes were made in the Battery. Lieu- 
tenant Sturgess was transferred and Lieutenant Metcalf left us for a 

while for some other duty. First Sergeant 
Siteman and Sergeant Churchill were com- 
missioned second lieutenants and assigned 
to our Battery. We had lost a number of 
men, some through transfer, some through 
the federal medical examination which we 
received shortly after we reached Boxford. 
But we also received more men in the outfit. 
There w'ere a few more recruits. Then one 
e\ening detachments of the Rhode Island 
Coast Artillery arrived and some were 
assigned to B Battery. Then we received 
a small number — enough to bring the 
Battery up to war strength — from the men 
who reached Devens in the first draft. Some 
of these were discharged after a thorough medical examination. The 
rest with the Coast Artillery men soon were in the Battery heart and 
soul, and in a few days any feeling that might have existed in a few of 
the men had entirely disappeared. 

As far as drill and the ordinary routine of the day was concerned, 
Boxford was much like Quonset Point. But between Retreat and Taps, 
we could take "jitneys" to either Haverhill or Lawrence. Camp was 
deserted every night, and soon some of the boys began coming back late. 
This caused trouble. Building stone walls and then knocking them 
down, drill under a full pack, and other forms of fatigue for those re- 
ported absent at Taps had no result. The Battery itself resorted to a 
disagreeable and wholly unsuccessful attempt at discipline. Finally 
Captain Hanley issued an order confining the men to the Battery street. 
This had the desired effect and when the order was rescinded there was 
no more trouble. Passes also caused a little stir. The top sergeant 
was forced to listen to more stories of sick and dead relatives than 
any business man e\er heard on a "World Series day." At first a 
telegram with such information would mean a two-day ])ass, but this 
had to be stopped, and when a sick relati\e ceased to he good for a pass 



"Jicky " Preparing Chow. Boxford. 



fiSl 



they were not heard from. Every man, however, received at least one 
week end pass^ whether he deserved it or not. 

Equipment was issued speedily. We were astonished at the number 
of essentials, and also at the number of non-essentials the army had to 
give away. The new field shoes, that were soon to prove their value; 
haversacks or saddle bags to carry our equipment; two or three cans 
that we ne\'er could pronounce their name and never found out their 
use; rifles and bayonets which made us look like soldiers; and the 
identification tags, at first a joke, but later looked at from a different 
angle. Finally when the quartermaster had no more stuff that he could 
load on us, we were reviewed by General Edwards and pronounced ready 
to leave for France. Rumor had us starting many times for many 
places. One day the loist and 102nd Regiments pulled out. Then the 
Second Batallion, C and D Batteries, of our own Regiment left and we 
knew it was only a short while before we would go. On October seventh 
the orders came to move the next day — no one knew where. At nine-thirty 
next morning, at the bugle call, the tents were dropped, and we began 
to break camp. At two o'clock we left camp, marched down the circular 
road to the little station at Boxford, and entrained rapidly. As we left 
Boxford orders were given to draw the shades and make as little noise 
as possible. For hours we rode this way, with an occasional peak out 
to see where we were. As it grew dark, we failed to make out the names 
of the stations and many wild guesses were ventured as to our ultimate 
destination. Not a spot on the coast from South Carolina to Halifax 
was left out. About two o'clock next morning the train stopped and 
we were in New York. We detrained speedily in what seemed a back 
alley, rushed aboard a river steamer, and were carried to the docks of 
the White Star Line, where we went aboard the steamer Baltic. By 
nine o'clock every man was in his "cabin" below decks, with orders to 
stay there until we were out to sea. And so it happened that the last 
view of the United States that many of us had for a long while, was that 
of the Statue of Liberty, which we viewed through the port-holes, as we 
passed on our way to France. 



SURE WE DO. 



Since sojourning in France so long, of course we parley vous. 
Can speak the language just the same as real Parisiens do. 
Converse on any subject, with ease and accents free, 
Use most difficult expressions as "Comment " and "Pas Compris." 

[19] 



BY THE FELLER FROM DOWN HUM. 



T iiin'L been long in this here army, 
'Boul a nionlli ago tiiat I arrived, 
But I like it better than I did on the farm. 
And there ain't no cows to milk or drive. 

Very first thing in the morning, 
Feller blows a horn that makes an awful noise, 
Then a feller that they call the sergeant 
Says "come on ncnv, wake up boys." 

Then you go down to the stable, 

With a brush and curry comb, 

Groom and groom just as long as you're able. 

Cease grooming, fall in, march bark "home." 

They teach you all about being a soldier. 

How to march and lurn around. 

They put a gun upon your shoulder 

One, two, three, and you put it on the ground. 

They take j^ou out on the drill ground 
Waving flags at a feller far away, 
But one thing I can't understand 
What the deuce he's trying to say. 

I picked out a horse that looked like Dobbin 
Good old horse I had on the farm. 
But when he got headed across the country, 
I wish'd I had Jack Dempsey's arm. 

Finally got him headed for the stable, 
Flollered to the Cai:)tain, stop him, "Jed." 
The captain turned and said to the sergeant 
"Better tell the doctor to fix up another bed." 

Fall in line and sign a paper. 

Then a feller gives you your pay. 

Take it to your barracks and put it on a blanket, 

Feller says "craps," and takes it all away. 



[20] 



Over There. 




A T last we were really on our way to France. To France ! It was 
hard for many of us to realize that fact. Probably none of us 
could analyze our feelings. We had known 
when we volunteered our services that our 
ultimate destination was the battlefields 
of Europe. Stretched out in our bunks 
because of the orders to stay below, we 
thought of many things, of our homes, of 
our new lives as soldiers, of our quiet, almost 
stealthy departure for foreign shores. And 
then we fell to wondering what the future 
held in store for us. 

When we were permitted to leave our 
quarters and go on deck we were out of 
sight of land. The first few hours were 
spent in getting our "sea legs" and in 
inspecting the ship. Late in the afternoon 
we had our first delightful English meal — ■ 
jam, bread and tea, served in the "smelly" 

dining room for "steerage" passengers. This was for enlisted men 
only, as the ofiicers were travelling first and second-class. How 
lucky they were. The first meal convinced us that we weren't going to 
be pampered. 

The next morning there were not so many present in the dining hall. 
A heavy sea was rolling and as some of the boys turned the corner of the 
last row of steerage cabins and were greeted by the fumes from the 
galley, they executed "to the rear" in perfect style and weren't seen 
again for a few days. It was here that Jim Girvan established his 
reputation as one of the strong men of the Battery by "throwing farther 
than any of them." There were many led by "Richy" paying homage 
to Neptune. 

Halifax was reached just before noon of the third day out. We 
anchored in the harbor to wait for the rest of the convoy which was to 
cross with us. To our disgust no one was permitted to go ashore. 
After three days waiting the entire convoy had assembled. In the 



Just a Fit. — Chuck. 



[21] 




All Feet to the Pole, Southampton. 

afternoon of October 14th, 1917, accompanied by seven other ships, 
and led by an obsolete looking cruiser, we left Halifax for — we didn't 
know where. Besides the cruiser each ship was equipped with a rifle, 
the Baltic having a six-inch piece, for protection against submarines. 

The voyage was rather uneventful, except for the humorous attempts 
at setting up exercises, and the daily rumors. A few days of foggy 
weather and rough seas caused a feeling of uneasiness. Announcement of 
a large submarine raid in the North Sea increased that feeling. Soon 
after this we encountered a number of British destroyers, and there was 
a decided feeling of relief on board the Baltic. 

Finally on Tuesday, October 23, we reached Liverpool. It was too 
late to disembark that day but early next morning we were marching 
down the gang plank. A hike of a few hundred yards brought us to the 
train sheds where a train was waiting to take us to camp. For the most 
of us it was the first sight of a European train, and the funny little 
engine, and the compartment coaches made to carry eight passengers 
reminded us more of the old cable cars on College Hill than of any train 
we had ever seen. 

At the very start of the ride across England we had an opportunity 
to see some of the effects of war. As the train passed warehouses, or 



[22] 



gave us a chance view of the streets of Liverpool, we saw women per- 
forming the tasks ordinarily done by men, and then we noted the scarcity 
of men in civilian dress and realized why the women were doing such 
work. 

As we left Liverpool and the train rolled on through a beautiful 
country of well ordered farms and neat \-illages, we felt more like tourists 
out to see the world, than like soldiers. Late that night when we 
reached Southampton we felt the soldier part. It was dark and raining 
hard when we detrained. The hike to the rest camp that night would 
have been bad if we had had only ourselves to carry, but with our haver- 
sacks and cumbersome blanket rolls on our backs, and our rifles on our 
shoulders, it was a killer. The pace was a record breaker. Shortly 
after the start the non-coms were performing their usual valiant duty of 
attempting to hold the men in formation, but of no avail. We staggered 
along as best we could and were mighty glad when the camp was reached. 
Then followed an agonizing wait in the rain, while a conference "on 
quarters" was held. After what seemed hours, but was really not so 
terribly long, we found ourselves crowded 
into small, white, conical tents, much 
smaller than the U. S. Army tents. The 
order was all feet to the pole and don't 
move. Home was never like this. 

We stayed in Southampton about a 
week. Here a few men went to the 
hospital. Mahoney almost left us to 
join the Marines "First to fight," says 
Jim. One or two short hikes to keep us 
in condition showed us what wonderful 
scenery there was around Southampton. 
But no matter how much we hiked 
around, we couldn't find anything to eat. 
A slice of "Canned Willy," two slices of 
bread, a little jam and some tea, was a 
day's ration. Nothing could be bought. 
Ben Miller agreed with Sherman. No 
one was sorry when one afternoon we 
were ordered to "make rolls" and pre- 
pare to leave. We did it, toute de suite. 




'Little Tucker' 



and "Cap.' 
Devens. 



Kenaston. 



[23] 



Crossing the Channel. 



/^N October 29, 1Q17, about five o'clock in the afternoon we boarded 
the S. S. Viper, a yacht-like, channel boat, about 135 feet long, for 
our never-to-be-forgotten crossing of the English Channel. 

We were marched down two decks, to the very hold of the vessel and 
then up into the bow of the boat until the first man was flush with the 
wall and every man following packed tight up against the man in front 
and on the side of him. We were then ordered to remove our packs. 
After what looked like an impossibility, we managed to let them squeeze, 
slide or fall to the floor. 

The channel was exceedingly rough that day, and the Viper began 
to roll and in a \ery short time was listing about forty-five degrees. The 
result can easily be imagined. It is almost impossible to describe the 
sorry looking sight we all were. No one could walk on deck without 
getting slapped against the rail. Anyone who wanted to move could 
only crawl along, holding on to anything within reach. Men were 
staggering about trying to find a better place than where they were, 
some of them being dashed to the floor, only to be picked up in an 
unconscious condition. 

In the early hours of the morning the Channel began to calm, and the 
men, tired and sick, lay down wherever they happened to be to try and 
get a few hours sleep before daylight. 

The trip had its humorous side at times. One case in particular 
was rather amusing to the "men." It happened that the Saloon had 
been reserved for the Officers. Seated around the sides of the Saloon 
facing each other were Col. Smith, Captain Hanley, Lieut. Langdon and 
Major Hamilton. A more depressed looking lot it would be difficult to 
find. Not one dared to speak. Suddenly the expected happened — 
what had been someone's supper rested in I he Colonel's lap. He never 
blinked an eyelash and sat as still as a Sphinx. Any other time the gang 
would have laughed itself sick, bul nothing was funny enough to cause a 
laugh that night. Enough said. 

I24] 



In the morning we were a bedraggled looking lot. Our Mess Ser- 
geant, Steve Knowles, handed us out crackers and cheese, and some who 
were lucky drew a j)iece of chocolate. Finally we set foot on "La Belle 
France" and started on the first of those man-killing hikes through the 
famous mud of France to our first Rest Camp in France at Le Havre. 

The camp was built on a high hill. Fortunately we only stayed here 
one night. Our tents were like those we had at Southampton, small 
circular ones, the canvas so weather beaten that the rain leaked right 
through. Captain Hanley cheered us up a little by giving us the means 
to partially drown our sorrows. The next day we hiked to the freight 
depot, where we found the ever to be remembered cattle cars, 
"Cheveaux <S", "Hommes 40." Five men were crowded into a space 
that crowds one horse, and the word was given "all aboard" for 
Coetquidan. 

Our first ride was not exactly a success. We lacked the necessary ex- 
perience, which we soon acquired, to make ourselves comfortable. For two 
days and nights we sat cramped, scarcely able to change our i)ositions, 
even to eat. What we could see of the country through which we were 
passing gave us the impression that it was a farming district, where 
apples were the chief product. Outside of the fact that apples were the 
chief product of the country, we were impressed by the lack of sun and 
the continuous rain. It had been raining ever since the day we reached 
France. 

We were all mighty glad when the train stopped and we detrained. 
It was late at night, with Jupiter Pluvius still in the ascendency. The 
trucks waiting to carry us to camp were a most welcome sight. A hike 
that night would have been a heart breaker. After a ride of a few 
kilometers we reached Camp de Coetquidan where wc were assigned to 
barracks. No time was lost in unrolling our packs, and wc were soon 
dead to the world. 



X 



OUR TOUCillE.ST BATTLE. 

You can lalk about our hardships, . 
And recount our battles o'er, 
Tell our hopes and joys and sorrows, 
All that thrilled us to the core, 
liut there's one tough little sector, 
Where we got an awful knock, 
Gee; our casualties were heavy, 
'Twas the Battle of Vin Blanc. 

[25] 



BIRDS OF PREY. 



The sun had set in skies of sold, 
And glorious was il lo behold. 
The day in all its splendor dies, 
While tinted evening shades the skies. 
Tired men sought peace in blessed sleep, 
The earth reposed in slumber deep, 
While from the dark and gloomy north. 
Huge human birds new prey now sought. 

With soft-purred hums the Gothas came, 
And many were their bombs to maim. 
Far-distant boomed the first line guns, 
As thundering threats to murderous Huns. 
Slill onward did the death-birds soar. 
The distant hum became a roar. 
The screaming shrapnel sped on high 
To fall the foe, to bar the sky. 

The search-lights cut the solid black, 
Machine guns now their lead-streams spat. 
High up were bursts of livid red 
As if the sky with wounds had bled. 
Those on the earth the depths did seek 
That fliers might no vengence wreak. 
'Neath massive layers of stone and beam, 
They ran to hide from flares bright gleam. 

The ground with rumbling roar did rock, 
When swishing bombs crashed to their mark. 
The birds of prey wheeled in the heights 
To dodge the slabbing rays of light 
The heaven lit up with llaming torch. 
As bursting shells the Hun did scorch. 
And down it fell a blazing mass. 
Where just before its bombs had crashed. 



26] 




Camp de Coetquidan. 



/^AMP de Coetquidan, or "Coqui," as it had been afifectionately 
dubbed by those members of the A. E. F. who have been fortunate 
enough to enjoy its questionable hospitaUty, was the first scene of our 
untiring efforts and activity. Viewed from the angle of isolation or in 
case of quarantine, the camp was a huge success. The nearest and 
muddiest village of any importance was three kilometers away, and it 
was more than thirty of these same French milestones to a real town. 
Perhaps these facts may ha\'e influenced Napoleon, for it was he that 
first chose this site as an artillery camp, or again it may have been on 
"Nap's" account that the A. E. F. promoters resurrected it. At any 
rate there we were for three long months. 

Misery loves company, it is true, and we were all elated to find that 
the balance of our Brigade had preceded us hither, while the Artillery 
Brigade of the Rainbow Division arrived on our heels. The loist was 
especially fortunate, from a historical viewpoint, in drawing "Nap's" 
old stones barracks for living quarters. This seemed to please them 
immensely, due no doubt to the fact that they hailed from dear old 
Boston. The rest of us were cjuartered in newer wooden barracks, four 
being allowed to our Battery. These were equipped with cots, mat- 
tresses, stoves, and three electric lights, in short all modern improve- 
ments. 



[27] 




Hut pi'iliaps tlu' cots should not hi" included. Three chiys after our 
arri\al the camp was cont^U'slcd with I'ager faces and campaign liats. 
The lojiul with much <j,ruml)Hng and swearing was forced to move to 

some heretofore unoccupied bar- 
racks, wlu-re Mother earth 
answered the purpose of a more 
expensive import from Brussels. 
(^f course we otTered syni]xithy, 
lull tiu'\- refused it and de- 
manded ouv cots. And what 
was more they got them. Hut 
ni)t until we had mo\ ed these 
same cots and all our belongings 
by hand to the barracks they 
had \acated, a few blocks away. 
That mo\ing day, a Sunday 
afternoon, was a day to be re- 
nu-mbereil. Without the personal attention of INIajor Hamilton and 
his entire stall it would not ha\e been accomplished for several days 
more. 

l'"rom that time on. we stretcheil ouv mattresses out on tlie wooilen 
boards and made the most of our other luxuries. The stoves were of 
these. Each barrack was allotteil two. They were of such size antl 
shaiK> that it took a minute ins[>ection to discover just where the stove- 
pipe began and where it ended. Fuel was scarce, until we started 
demolisliing the barracks, anil no amount of higher mathematics or 
thermal research could seem to overcome the obstacles presented by 
their matched boards, ten wimlows and four iloors. Added to these 
dilhculties wen' tlie sto\e hounds, about ten to each sto\-e. Night after 
night these same individuals had a continuous round of boiling clothes, 
thawing, bathing, or "cocoaing." During the winter, tiie majority 
sought the blankets and mattress l"or si^lace and warmth. 

Tlu" day alter our arrixal the cannoneers were ushered to the gun 
l>ark, anil introduced gravely to Mr. Schneider's 155mm i)roduct 
Lieutenant Metcalf, whose lengthy pedal extremities had caused him 
to outstrip us on the way over, did the honors. He was succeeded by 
Sergeant Long, late of the ist Division, whose arduous duties, we soon 
found, necessitated his appearance at least once a week. The can- 
noneers fell in with a \ enueance, and three davs later were demolishing 
an abandoned town out on the range. 



[28] 



TIk- "si)cci;il (k'lailcrs" were sent to (elcphoiu', lele^raph and Radio 
School. The inslriuiors were l)()tli I'rciuli and American, hul judging 
from [he reports Hu'lr pupils l)roughl hack to the barracks, they seemed 
to he trying to make niort' of an impression with wihl lak's from the front, 
than with the task at hanck As for tlu" pupils, many of them became 
so expert in a short time that they bunked school regularly. 

For the llrst three weeks, tlu' drixers had little to do. Time dragged 
fearfully, but I'mally the horses came and Captain Hanley recei\-ed them 
at the new stables just erected by German prisoners. 

The horses were all true "cheveaux," unversed and uneducated in 
American ways and customs, but tlu' drixcrs were innnediately assigned 
mounts, the horses introduced to American harness, and our training 
was in full swing. Let it sulTice to say that from that time on, there was 
no complaint of not having enough to do. 

Synonymous with the arrival of horses, came a new issue of officers, 
nine of them, the hrst and finest i)roduct of Plattsburg. "Camp Fire 
Girls" was their first sobriciuel, but we were glad to live and learn better. 
Only four of them survived far beyond the training camj) days, but 
those four, "Jawn" Garrett II, "Reveille" Wheat, "Jazzbo" Stark, 
and " i^'erdy " Bailey, made an enxiable aiul lasting rei)utation with the 
men of llu' Battery. The last, Lieutt'iianl Bailey, is the only ofiicer 
connected witli the liatler\' who has seiMi service from that day until we 
were mustered out at Camp 1 )e\ens. 

From this time on we ran a life of routine duty that would gladden 
the heart of tlu^ man who founded the anuy. Re\eille at 5:30, stables 
followed, a lifteen minine walk through slippery sticky mud, such as 
France only can boast of. Wot' 
to the man who slejit a few seconds 
tot) long and fril \\\[o line with 
shoes unlaced. Then back to a 
dark breakfast o{ tt)o crisp bact)n 
and black colTee. Stables again 
for the drivers with ''water call," 
groom, harness and hitch, or clean 
harness. Drill for the cannoneers, 
incessantly, and at nightfall, due 
to six different kinds of guard duty, 
cK)wn they marclied io the stables 
to help with the evening's water 
and feed. Retreat just at dark, 

Tlic Stove Hounds. 




[29] 




W.jiiit 



:!^ 






/^ 



<^^^ 






<:^:-^i":^ 



■ Lest Vie Forget." 



[30] 



and then another nK'al by the bewitchinjj; caiulle Hght, — candles that 
have long since lost their romance being minus a fair face and a little 
"jazz." 

At times difficulties were experienced with the mess, due to no apparent 
cause. Both A and B Batteries were using the same kitchen so we took 
it out good naturedly on each other and hoped for the best. It came in 
due time, but not until A Battery made a new Mess Sergeant, so B 
Battery was vindicated. Thanksgiving and Christmas were two days, 
at least, which left nothing to be desired in the way of eatables. 

Near the middle of the Winter a Fresh Air Camjiaign was instituted 
by some worthy soul higher up, whose comfortable and cosy quarters 
necessitated ventilation. Those in the barracks had experienced too 
much (lillticulty in keeping warm to give deep thought to the matter of 
ventilation. C\)nse<iuently the ten windows were never opened at night. 
It now de\()l\ed upon tlie officer of the day to go through each barrack, 
after taps, and open all these windows. This he did, quite indiscrimi- 
nately; and it was not unusual to be rudely awakened by the heel of his 
boot on your chest, or one of his spurs poking into your ribs. Shoes and 
curses bothered him not at all, but a few nails in the offending windows 
turned one campaign into a defeat. 

There is a true adage about "all work and no play " which even the 
army cannot afford to overlook all the time, and so we had our play. 
From five-thirty until eight-thirty, every evening our time was our own. 
Then we would drift to a little collection of booths, cafes, and abbreviated 
hotels, that sprang u}) 

almost overnight, just \ \ f y \' 

outside the gates of the 
camp. Here the pa])er 
Franc willingly i)arted 
company from the " Sol- 
dat Americain,"an(l prices 
soared each day. So free 
were the francs, many 
men drawing four or five 
months pay at one lime, 
that the little community 
of Bellevue, as it was 
called, grew as a fabulous mining town in the golden days of " 49." 
Gaudy structures with appropriate names, such as the " American Bar," 
the " Stars and Stripes," appeared and prospered. 




[31] 



Then if tiri'd of these surroun(lin<i;s, one had l)Ut lo '^o over the liill 
and down into the valley to another collection of ram shackle Inu'ldinjijs 
called St. Malo. Here prices were more reasonable, but the long walk 
back, through (he mud and up tlic steep hill, inxariably si)oiled the 
party. 

Our favorite playground was Rennes, a city of approximately 75,000 
people, thirty kilometers away. Passes were necessary for this journey, 
always undertaken on Sunday, and they were meted out with such rare 
judgment and fairness that each man in the Battery made just one visit 
to this city during our three months at camp. The trip itself was a 
tedious atTair, necessitating three hours ride on a narrow gauge steam 
railroad. Standing room only was the vogue, and it was not infrequent 
kn- all hands to clamber off and let the cannoneers try their willing 
hands over some particularly steep portion of the road bed. 

The city itself was well worth a visit. One could buy fabulous pastry 
at fabulous prices, and fall into a bath tub with hot water right up to 
your chin, always a luxury in France. And of course, there were other 
attractions not to be mentioned here. 

And so it went until the last few weeks before our departure for the 
unknown lines. Then suddenly we began to arise at unheard of and 
unholy hours, roll our packs, rush to the stables, haul out the guns in 
the rain, the dampness and the mud, stay on the range all day, with a 
couple of jam sandwiches for company, and back again after the sun was 
long gone behind the hills. These were trying and nerve racking days. 
Then came the inspections. We had become quite used, by that time, 
to surrendering our Sunday mornings, regularly, but now came full pack 
inspections, equipment inspections, feet inspections, every possible kind 
of inspection even to a grand finale conducted by the Brigade Com- 
mander himself. That passed and we knew we were soon to be on our 
way. 

It came very soon. On February 4th, at one o'clock in the morning, 
we were literally pulled out of bed. The oiHicers were dashing around 
" efficient like," and the non-coms were soon following their example. 
A hasty breakfast and we '' rolled rolls," and were ordered to police up. 
Absolutely no lights outside, but we " policed up " around the buildings. 
Then down to the stables where we harnessed, then out to the gun ]:)ark 
to hitch, and before it was light we were on our way to Guer. 

Entraining was quite a jol), it always was, although we later got so 
that we could do it in remarkaljly Cjuick time. We were of the opinion 

[32] 



that we " showed speed," this time, but it was fairly late in the morning 
when we left Guer and started for the front. 

The value of experience was shown clearly on this trip. On the trip 
from Le Harvre to Guer everyone had been uncomfortable, but this 
time wooden benches were not tolerated and we were more comfortable 
by far than we would have been in compartment coaches. The trip 
was much like all our trips in box cars. We lived on canned goods and 
played cards incessantly. The only thing that created any real interest, 
until we neared the front, was our approach to Paris. The Eiffel Tower 
was plainly visible, and everyone was expecting to see the city itself, but 
we only had a glimpse of the suburbs. 

As we neared the front, cards were forgotten. Long before we reached 
Soissons, the actual ravages of war were visible. Many of the small 
French towns through which we passed were nearly in ruins from heavy 
artillery lire, and air raids. As we neared Soissons, the hills were covered 
with intricate systems of trenches and barbed wire entanglements. 

We were now very close to the place towards which we had been 
working for a long time — the Battlefields of France — and as it grew 
dark and we rolled slowly over^the shell torn railroad all were wondering 
what the morrow would show us. 




On the Wheels. — Heave. 
LOST — Somewhere in France. — One Ration Cart. Finder notify Lieutenant Garrett. 



[33] 



CHIMIN 




Our First Sector. 



A FTKR (wo days of riding in t)ursi(l(.- door rullinans' \vc])ulk'd inlo the 
demolished (rain sheds of Soissons. This was the sixth of February, 
igi8. It was la(e at night and the only imjiression (ha( we received of 
the famous city was (hat of a place scientifically shot up. Naturally 
we were a little nervous, especially as all of the Frenchmen we en- 
ci)untered insisted upon telling us of the delightful air raids experienced 
in this sector and informing us (hat it was about time for another one. 

The unloading was acci)m])lished in \ery good time considering the 
darkness and the fact that (his was our first real experience in iletraining, 
and we were st)on " on (he road." 

From Soissons we followed the rumbling pieces o\-er the cobbled streets 
of the dark city, and then about ten kilometers o\-er a military higliwa\- 
to the village oi Hucy le Long. My recollections of that night are a 
confused jumble of pictures— of darkness and mud, of a deep ^•oice 
shattering the comparative quiet of the black \oid behind the fourth 
piece with. " Morris, 1 conunand you (o (ro( ! Forward Hcoooco;" 
oi our first casualty, when Ike MeKin said, "If someone will take this 
piece otT my (oot, \'\\ ge( up;'" and oi pieces, caissons, and park wagons 
s(uck in (he dei'p nnid of (he en(rance of wha( was to be our echelon. 
.\t(i'r Innu's of work we had all (he pieces and wagons o(T the road, the 
horses "tied in," in what ap])eared to be the remains of a stable, and 
under the directions of the "Top" found bunks in what were originally 
old French Barracks. The next day we went to work (ixing the place up. 

[34] 



While we were improving our quarters we also found out a little about 
the town. Before the war, if we could judge from ruins, Bucy le Long 
had been an attractive little village, situated among the hills that border 
the highway from Soissons to Laon. The population, numbering perhaps 
two thousand people, farmed and carried on a little trade between the 
two great cities. The two great offensives, which occurred before our 
occupancy of the town, had left it in ruins. The two that came later 
most probably served to obliterate these few landmarks. 

Among the ruins however was one spot which we were soon to appre- 
ciate. That was the half ruined building which housed the French 
military canteen. After becoming acquainted with it there was not a 
day passed that the "echelon hounds " weren't lined up to buy chocolate, 
condensed milk, canned fruit, jam, eggs, champagne, and many other 
things. The canteen and the second-class mail from home made it a 
great war. 

A "Great war" but not an easy one. The men stationed at the 
echelon found out that a driver's job wasn't a cinch. Besides helping 
in general improvements, each man had at least four horses and four 
full sets of harness to look after. Details had to take provisions to the 
positions every day, and because of the small number of men, guard 
duty came often; but guard duty here was not "soft." When on duty 
the guard was kept busy, and when ofif he worked with the rest of the 
drivers. Then there was another job, one through which "Pop" 
Harwood established himself as horse undertaker. About every other 
morning a conversation something like the following would take place: 

Lt. John Garrett — "What, another dead horse?" 

Trouve — "Yes, sir." 

Garrett — "When did he die?" 

Trouve — "Last night. Lynch says forage poison. He always says 
something like that." 

Garrett — "Call Corporal Harwood for me." 

Harwood — "Do you want me, sir ?" 

Garrett — "Yes, aren't you the undertaker around here. If you are 
get this dammed horse out of here before the Colonel gets around. I 
don't want to get hell and I've got enough work without keeping after 
you." 

Harwood — ■" Shall I bring you back a bottle of wine, sir? " 

[35] 



T^nv'// — " One ! Daniniilt ! lirin<^ me a couple. I was up all ni<j;ht 
and ihe dtimn fool had lo die when I thought he was getting better. I 
hear you haxc a card out about renio\ ing dead horses. Let me see it." 



(The card) 



Corporal " /'of?'' Ilnncood 

Baiter \ /■> / ' mlcrlaker 

Dead l/orscs removed at 
short notice 

Tel: Yin Rouge 2f§o 



Garrett — Thai is some card. Hut I don't know about that short 
notice stuff. The last dead horse laid art)i.nid a week after I called you 
up. The next time someone else gets the job if this one isn't out of 
here in an hour. All right — all right — 1 can't listi'U to you now. I've 
gi)t work to do. hon'l forgi'l the wiiu'. Where's Mehin ? 

Battery B certainly lost a useful man when some months later Har- 
wood was sent back lo Coetciuidan as an instructor. 

Life at Bucy wasn't all work either, imi^'oxised concerts, with the 
Frenchmen from the Chateau jt)ining in, whiled awa)' many an e\'ening. 
jNIany a likely game was broken up by " Lights out 1 .\eroplane." Steve 
Knowles said this alwaxs happened just as he was "coming back." 
Then, lot), the a\ions furnished us with enlertaimiu'ut through the day. 
'lliey were conliiuiall)- in tlu' air with shrai)nel biu'sting around them, 
and we oftin wondered how it was that the\- could so successfully stay 
above a barrage. It was here that they who stayed at the echelon had 
their first sight o{ an air battle. A German who had been doing quite 
a little mischief anK)ng the balloons was attacked b)- two JM-ench Avions. 
.\l lii'st the Boche seemed to ha\e the supicnKuy, but suddenly one 
Frenchman got the right position and opened up with his machine gun. 
The German machine began to fall, and at the sanu' t ime burst into flames. 
It landed not far from the echelon, and cNcryone took a trip o\er to 
\iew the Boche. Battery B's would-be axialors lost all ambition. 

We were all glad when the lime came to ka\e Bucy. It wasn't the 
work we mimled, we expected that. It wasn't the lioche aviators or 
the shells that were coming over near the end oi our stav there. We 



36 



expected that. But it was here that we first ''got em" and we remem- 
bered with shame how we laughed at the German ])risoners in Coetquidan 
when they "Read their shirts" and here we were doing the same. 

Meanwhile the cannoneers were learning how to make war. One 
sunny afternoon, several days after pulling into Bucy, the gun 
.sections, newly e(|uipped, from their unscratched tin hats to their un- 
soiled field shoes, rolled rolls, slung rifles, mounted off horses, and left 
for their initial appearance on the Western Front. 

The Chemin des Dames sector, at that time, was experiencing one of 
its few quiet periods. New grass was slowly covering the old shell holes. 
The battered and half destroyed buildings were beginning to show signs 
of habitation again, and a rifT-raf! of unpoliced and dirty French and 
German equipment, grisly relics of the half forgotten battles of the year 
before, lay rusting in the fields. About as warm a spot as you'd hope to 
find a few months previous. That afternoon, however, when we pulled 
out of Bucy, through the suburbs of Soissons, and into the camouflage 
skirted road that led to the beautiful old town of Coucy-le-Chateau, 
found the war business on a slump. And we, readers of many a lurid 
account of going into action under fire, open-mouthed listeners to many a 
tale of hot battle, expecting about half of Fritz's reserve supply of 
ammunition first crack out of the 
box, found ourselves nearing the 
line, along a highway as quiet as 
a country road in America, with 
nothing more military in sight than 
a friendly plane circling overhead, 
and a swaying balloon in the dis- 
tance. You know the old slogan 
that goes "First impressions" and 
so on. Fine things these old pro- 
verbs, providing instructions are 
issued simultaneously as to when 
and where to apply, l^hat's pre- 
cious knowledge. We gained it 
at Toul, Chateau-Thierry, and 
other warm spots, but not at 
Banc-de-Pierre. 

Along towards seven o'clock, 
after it had become dark enough to 

'-' How they "got" Boche Avions. 




I 37 







nM^ y 



■» 



: <^' 



Hy 



^ 



■I 



|»Mj^^Y 






r'- 






•vt; ^ 



mil .- 



v 



I '->V-.'-,'^<^ V F^ tf. 'lA, ^ 



■%j 




'icq. 



[ 3S ] 



conform to ihc regulations covering the taking up of gun positions, we 
cut into a winding stony road to the left, tipi)ing down the side of a 
steep hill, and continuing in the form of an achievement in corduroy, 
with mud holes at frequent inter\als through the valley below. Some- 
where along its length we jiassed what appeared in the dark to be a 
shoulder of a hill, bul which we immediately discovered, by the simple 
method of trying to walk on it, to be an intricate arrangement of camou- 
flage, designed to protect the four gun pits, connecting passages, living 
and ammunition dugouts and all the additional works necessary for the 
proper working of a six inch howitzer battery in action, from the curious 
eyes of the Boche avions. 1 don't know how it appeared from above 
but it looked good from underneath, that is, until it contracted the 
unpleasant habit of taking fire. We saw very little of it that night. 
After hauling in the pieces and posting a guard we were ordered to the 
top of the hill, with whatever of our haversacks we might liiid intact, 
to join in a grand controversy over a tangled mass of blanket rolls. By 
the flickering light of a lantern, held by a most excitable French Lieu- 
tenant, we salvaged what we could of our rolls, and were assigned 
quarters in one of the biggest dugouts it has ever been our luck to see. 

Originally a chalk mine, the property of an exceedingly ambitious 
owner, judging by the size of the hole he had made, the cave served 
many good purposes during the war. Frenchmen claimed for it a 
capacity of a divi- 
sion in case of ne- 
cessity, not countin 
the bugs, rats, and 
that sort of thing. 
Infantry in reserve 
were stationed there, 
troops going in for 
an attack occupied 
it over night. P>itz 
made it a head- 
quarters when he 
came through early 



rr," HHEy-MAc- —"how ii,G~ 

Do yovj w^MT This, 




On« of Corporql n'CorrU's 



in 1917, and the 



deloiU in action 

Bucy. 



French returning trapped several hundred Boche inside. It was divided 
into chambers about twenty-five feet square, lighted by acetylene lamps, 
and ventilated, here and there, by holes in the roof. Damp, stuffy, and 
ill-smelling it was, but when the German planes were up and their'high 



39] 



explosive (lioppiiit; near, llu' llidu^lit of forty feci of solid rock overhead 
was alniiifhty soolhintj;. 

Tlu' lU'aresl thiii.t:; lo real war \vt' ran across up iherc occurred tlie first 
(lay. ll came with shell hauling; the curse of a cannoneers existence 
from oni' end of a scrap to the other. 'I'hal day's experience was a fair 
sample of what wi' look as a matter of course later on. Just how many 
shells we carried is unknown, hut an indication of their number may be 
gained by an astute jierson who has a knowledge of the habits of the 
species, when he li'arns that tlu' l'"irsl Sergeant himself managed sixteen 
of them. Lii'utenant Metcalf in demonstrating his theory that it was 
easier to carry two shells at oni' time than one shell at two times, estab- 
lished an imbeatable record by hoisting an "O. A.'' to each shoulder and 
pulling a laborious and precarious way down the slippery path to the 
posit iiMis. 

liefore we had done enough hring to necessitate another shell party, 
Lieutenant Stark soKed the ])roblem for this position bv designing a 
chute, leading from tin- little one-horse narrow gauge, half wav up the 
hill, down to the first section gun pit. It was l)uilt of planks, padded 
with sand bags at llu' bottom, and, when sufhciently greased, permitted 
a conu't like passage of an)- missile introduced. This idea finally de- 
veloped into a kind o{ corporation with Lieut. Stark, President, presiding 
over the controlling end at the top; First Sergeant Drummond, general 
manager at the l)ottom, disi)osing of the many problems at that end in 
an admirable manner; and Burlingame, in his capacity of Chief Mechanic 
usually being found along the line of llight, a grease can in one hand and 
a dauber in the other, dislodging unruly shells that now and then held up 
trailic because of some defect in the device. We of course were the boys 
that nuule "tlu^ wheels go riuuid." 

Another occupation which became a tlller-in for the blank spaces 
between our daily duties was that oi sand-bag tilling. It was one of 
our endless jobs, like that of constructing trail bumpers, to catch the back 
Hip of a double zero charge of B G 5. There was an immeasureable 
(juantity of sand, innumerable bales of sang-bags, and endless ways of 
using the linishetl product. We built revetments, and walls, and walks of 
intricate design; padded the roofs of dugouts, and the rear ends of our 
hopping howitzers. The sand itself was at once a source of trouble and 
pleasure. \\\' uWcd our own and other people's shirts, shoes and pockets 
with it; scoured our mess kits in it, used it instead of sugar in our coffee, 
in the [ilace of i)epper in our slum, and managed to loaf aw'ay an occa- 

[40] 



sional lazy February afternoon on the sand banks of Banc-cle-Picrrc, 
dreaming of the l)eaches of Narraj^ansett Bay. 

Tn fact our existence at Chemin-des-Dames seems to ha\e been made 
u\) mostly of endless jobs. Dugout digging was probably the worst of 
the lot, for while we seemed to accom])lish something of a definite 
character along other lines, managed to build revetments sufHiciently 
strong to withstand shell fragments if any should happen along, trail 
bumpers that at least held our guns in the pits, and respectable piles of 
ammunition, dugout building had us defeated. Plenty were started, but 
beyond excavating heaps and heaps of sand, nothing seemed to material- 
ize. We'd sweat and cuss on a little four by eight hole that came through 
with a crash the first fine evening we fired. For a time the gun crews, 
when off duty, took up excavation as a side line. Later, details were 
sent up from the echelon, with Havard in charge and (luy Flmer assist- 
ing. They worked under the direction of two energetic Frenchmen, 
and toward the end of our stay became most proficient in the art, nearly 
finishing a beauty. This was intended to shelter the third section, 
which, however lived in a small affair dug into the side of their gun pit 
during their entire stay. 

Though rather deficient in the building of dugouts, we certainly 
gained a knowledge of how to live in them. During the first week or so 
the cave remained the hcjme of most of the men on the gun crews, with 
small details, — skeleton crews, — bunking near the pieces in case of a 
hurry call to fire. The first, third, and fourth section details occujMed 
small dugouts near their guns, and the second "sans abri," corked off 
in a small tin shack some little distance from the positions. The Cave, 
however, remained the meeting place and club room of the outfit. It 
also seemed to serve in a like capacity for the greater part of the French 
Army. Even after establishing ourselves comfortably in the dugouts 
at the pieces, we instinctively wandered up the hill when our evenings 
were free and mixed into those lively international banquets at which 
such brilliant entertainers as Bill Mackie and Ca]) Kenaston presided. 
The co-operative on the " Couchy Road" played a leading part in making 
these gatherings successful by furnishing lobster, biscuit, cake, cham- 
pagne, the "Two vins" and candles at very reasonable prices. Let it be 
said again, this wasn't such a tough war. Following pay day the stock 
on the shelves over our l)unks would make the proverbial farmers larder 
look like a Y. M. counter in the Zone of Advance during a rush season. 

But even here life had its serious side — its privations. It was our 
first taste of warfare and we early found that certain of the rules and 



41 



rcp;ula(ions r;iii cound'r lo our nature. One of tlu'se — that one which 
commanded us to ki'ep our shirts on al ni.u;lu, and climb into the i)lankets, 
full patk, proxcd csi)cciaiiy irritatin<i;. Normal Americans, we were 
accustomed to enti'r the land of Nod clad in ])aiamas, and durinf;; the 
lirst few e\•enin<,^s wi' felt as out of place in a hunk, fully dressc(h as we 
would on K.\chanfj;e Place, attired in ni-^ht sliirts. Aubrey Bartlett, 
gunner of the second ])iece in those days, felt the restrictions more 
keenl\- than the majority. Three nij^hts he spent rollinjf and tossinfj; and 
cussing, and on the fourth lu' arosi' in his wrath and hauled off hisO. I). 
Breeches. That same night about ten-ten o'clock came a hin-r\' call to 
fire — line of the kind that gets number se\en shoes on size ele\en feel, 
you know, and your shirt on inside out. Ne.\l thing .\ul)rev knew, he 
was climbing all o\'er the right sule of a howitzer, trying to locate a 
glinuner o\' light in a foolish little mirror. He did tinally, and the hrst 
crack ot the gun sent a wikl Hurry of February wind around where his 
pants should have been. We fired l"our hours that night, l-'ebruary 
breezes t)n tlu' Western l-'ront didn't hail from the South Sea Islands 
either. There an- still some men in the outlU who marxel at Aubrey's 
superior (hscipline. 

Inspections were much in Nogue at tliat time, accomplishing their 
jHirposes as tlu'\- always do, b)- taking the joy out of life. For range and 
\ariety they exceeded anything we have since encountered either in the 
S. (). S. or (he Z of .\. General Fdwards insiiccted us for the first time 
in l-'rance at (his position. F,\ery Sunday morning brought Major 
ChatTee, and a general inspection that covered everything in sight. 
Captain llanley did the honors each morning, but, most curious of all 
was the daily foot inspection conducted by the chiefs of sections. This 
last was alwa_\-s a j)ainful experience for all conci-rned, and invt)l\\'d the 
liberal use ol an e\il smelling conci)ction named Whale Oil, which was 
invariably washed o['{ again inmiediately after the ceremony. 

CamouHage tires were always a source of great trouble and wild 
excitement. .\ spark from (he muzzle of the piece landing in the dry 
stutT oxerhead, would start a blaze cai)able of ])urning out the covering 
of three sections, before we could i)ossibly get it under cimtrol. After a 
few experiences, howcNcr, we managed io intrtxluce a bit of system. 
Powder lirst was tlu' rule, antl numbi'r three often had a job getting his 
stock awa)-, and men who ordinarily could scarcely hold up their corner, 
weri' often seen walking olT with a full tase of B d 5, hair singed, burning 
bits of cloth dropping down their collars, — then afti'r it was all over, 
deny that they had e\en seen the stutT. The bes( way to stop a tire we 

f4-H 



found, was to cut down the camouflage, and in a few weeks we became 
expert at wrecking the works. After some time we organized a fire 
guard — an unenviable job, consisting of several men whose duty it was 
to stand in front of the pits with buckets of water, and get the first 
spark that appeared. Hill Grinnell served for a time on this gang, and 
nearly lost a perfectly good (?) head one day, in carrying out orders. 
Bill stood on one side of the muzzle of the gun and a spark landed on 
the other. He made a flying leap for it, caught the concussion of the 
second shot in mid air, and put out the fire by the primitive method of 
sitting on it. The pail, landing on his head, carried out its purpose as a 
fire extinguisher as far as his eyebrows and hair were concerned, but we 
always held that it was the passing shell that took off his budding 
moustache. 

The one busy arm of the service in the vicinity of Banc-de-Pierre, and 
one which furnished many hours of diversion, was aviation. Fritzie, 
offensive, and Frenchy, defensive, filled the air at all times with roaring, 
sputtering, in(|uisitive specks, and because of them we walked in round 
about paths, carried shining messkits under our blouses, and did no 
smoking outside at night. We retaliated by organizing an airplane 
guard composed of Standish Howland, Crowe and a Top Sergeant's 
whistle, and segregating them on a small hill in the rear of the position. 
The shrill blast of the whistle came down to us at all hours, attaining 
great popularity during shell hauling periods, but evoking cries of 
derision and disgust at mess time. Our first experience of how it feels 
to be on the receiving end of a bomb came on the night we hauled out, 
when a Boche plane, busily engaged in raiding a French ammunition 
dump, decided to have a try at our column, and dropped a couple un- 
comfortably near the road. 

March 17th brought orders to move and rumors of the rear and a rest. 
Perhaps it was the rumor rather than the wine that we had at the farewell 
celebration with the French, that put the snap behind the hauling out 
of our pieces from the pits that evening. 

This spirit was however, somewhat dampened during the long drag 
through the mud that covered our little roadway to the top of the hill. 
Once upon the solid rock of the Soissons highway, it was a reasonably 
quiet and well disciplined gang that mounted the more or less balky 
horses of the outfit, formed in column and started on the fifteen kilometer 
journey to the rear echelon. 

There was a high full moon, that somewhat dimmed the glow of the 
star shells to our left, showing up the hard chalk road clearly against the 

[43] 



darkness of tlu" surroundinij; iiuul. Peace and coniparatixe (|uiet of a 
Battery in motion reigned; it was pleasant, and we spent about half of 
the journey congratulating ourselves on the fact. By this time we were 
quite some distance behind the lines, just about to enter the low range 
of hills on the op]iosite side of which lay the suburbs of Soissons, when 
suddenly a battery of searchlights on the right llamed into action. 
Almost sinuiltaneously a terrific explosion occurred on our left. Without 
wasting time we donned our Carnegie derbies. Fashion has decreed 
that to appear "chic" and jaunty tlu' helmet nnisl be draped over the 
left ear, but on this occasion we were obsessed with one idt'a^how to 
crowd the whole anatomy uiidi'r this i)etite steel canopy. Two more 
bombs which landed to the right of the Battery left us without ideas. 
During all this time the column kei>t rolling along in its easy manner, 
not with the idea of putting up a brax'e front or treating the incident 
with the nonchalance of a seasoned \eteran (I've just said that we were 
de\c)i(l of ideas) but simply because the old bean had not yet begun to 
function after the shock. When it did, we took to the cover of the hills 
ahead with all the speetl that dignity would allow. 

After reaching the echelon where we could again draw breath freely 
and light up for a smoke, we rexiewtnl our casualties — one young man, 
who, in s])ite of the balmy atmosi>here, had gone "cold" on the front 
seat of the park wagon. 

The day after the pieces had been pulled out and the cannoneers had 
returned to the echelon, we pre]iared to leave the sector. 



OH MUD OF FRANCE. 

O, Thou Mud of France: 

Tliou art not like any other ^Slud: 

Thou stickcst and clingeth and niakctli us bereft of all reason. 

Wliether the southern zepliyr or the an<^ry north wind blow: whetlier the 

Sun and Moon and Stars hunger to dry thee up or the cold and c[uiet 

night would harden thee — Thou, O Mud, art always there. 

Thou causeth us to fall, and our wearied steeds to loose their footing. 

Thou criest out against our comfort, and filleth us with despair. 

'"Charrogne" art thou called by the Peasant of France, but the 

"Damnedest Mud" by us from across the sea. 

Long is thy sta\' ami close is thy grasp, long also will be our 

memory of thee. Helpless ha\"e we l)een, l)ul Thou hast us ne\er defeated. 

When we bid Thee farewell for a friendh" ^lud, we would lling in Thy 

teeth, the dust of our shoes; but we cannot, for all that on them is; 

is Thee, Thou Mud of France. 

[44] 




The Big Hike. 



A LMOST simullaiH'ously with our orders to move came the initial 
preparations for the j^reat German offensive that developed several 
months later. Soissons was again under shell tire. Especially heavy 
fire was directed on the railroad station and those portions of the 
system that served for the unloading and loading of troops. This, 
undoubtedly, was the reason for the orders that took us to the half- 
forgotten and long unused railhead of Pommiers, with its half-rotted 
platform, its grass covered tracks and its petite loading ramps. 

On March i8th, igiS, we hiked from our echelon in a drizzle that 
turned to a driving rain as we neared the railroad and immediately 
proceeded to load up. This process, with which we were soon to become 
more familiar, was never accounted the easiest of our jobs. Here, 
handicapped as we were without the proper tools, it presented about 
every obstacle in its power to hamper us. Finally, however, after a great 
deal of manhandling of both horses and material, some little cussing, and 
a touch of brain work here and there, we got the last caisson and park 
wagon tacked down, and the last of our kicking, sciuealing nags into their 
cars. Then we indulged in steaming mess cups of hot Y. M. coffee, 
tinctured slightly with cognac after the French custom, found our 
"Hommes 40 — Cheveaux 8" and sought what repose we might on the 



[45 



damp straw cowrcd floors, as we wended our weary and jerky way 
through the soon to become famous territory of Fere-en-Tardenois and 
Chateau-Thierry. We rumbled along through Epernay and Chalons, 
and on to Chavanges where, at twenty-tw^o o'clock, March nineteenth, 
we detrained. That night, after a hike to the outskirts of Ronnes, we 
turned into a farm yard and billeted. The next day Rhode Island came 
to La Rothiere, a town boasting of one cafe, where the entire Battery 
congregated. Here we held one of the most famous celebrations of our 
career until call to Quarters put an end to the songs, jokes and stories 
that had carried the house by storm. Then a snake dance was hastily 
organized to the amazement of the good French proprietor, and, headed 
by Billy JVlackie we wended a dizzy w'ay to our billets. 

For two days we remained in this town, grooming horses, washing 
material and cleaning ecjuipment. On the third day, March twenty- 
third, we started on a regimental manoeuvre, hiking for the front as a 
unit. Uj) to this time we were fully expectant of a rest and further 
training before again entering the lines. In fact, the division had re- 
ceived orders for a manoeuvre against the 42nd Division, which had only 
recently left our old training grounds. But the German offensives were 
assuming dangerous proportions in Flanders and Chemin-des-Dames 
territory. American re-enforcement was greatly needed; and it was 
decided to send the First Division, operating in the Toul sector where 
they had been stationed through most of the preceeding winter. And 
it was this division we were destined to relieve. Orders were not 




The Driver's "Recreation " Period. 



[46] 



definitely changed immediately, however, although, as we moved out of 
La Rothiere talk of our rest was broken now and then by rumors of a 
return to the front. More care was now given to the equal distribution 
of material, with the idea of saving horses and men, and the order of a 
ten minute rest in every hour of hiking came into use. Frecjuently we 
utilized twelve or fourteen hours a day in plain walking, and even after 
reaching "park," our days work was not done. For there were still dusty 
and weary horses to be groomed and freshened, and dirty collars and bits 
to be washed. The close of this day's hike brought us, footsore and 
weary to Thil. That evening the talent of the Battery entertained at 
the "Y." 

The next day. Palm Sunday, we remained in Thil, in the midst of the 
S. O. S. and peace time soldiering. Consequently the majority of the 
Battery was free from military duties. In the morning many of the 
boys attended service in the old French church. In the afternoon several 
of the outfit took advantage of the fine weather with a plunge in the 
brook. The water was cold but the results excellent. In the evening 
the 103rd band gave a concert in the public square, much to the amaze- 
ment of the troops, but greatly to the delight of the inhabitants. 

Up to this time the weather had been perfect. Miles of France's rolling 
country was unfolded to us in vivid colors. How clearly that peasant 
and his hitch of oxen stood out against the sky — and if we might only 
forget our feet, stretch out on that green bank and smoke, — it would 
have been a great country. 

The people, too, were very friendly and much interested in their first 
glimpse of American soldiers. Countless privations and almost the total 
annihilation of all men useful to the army had done much to numb their 
minds, so that, to many, rumors of American aid could be nothing more 
than a myth. How could the far-off Americans ever land in sufficient 
numbers to help? And, more important, how could they train men 
and get them here in time? German propaganda had passed through 
the whole of France and left these cjuestions behind. Perhaps this is 
why an American unit was sent over the road, — an American answer 
to the German question. And it gave the French people — hope. 

The twenty-fifth found us on the road again after our holiday. We 
reached Civy-sur-Blaise early in the afternoon and pitched pup tents on 
the grounds of a beautiful old chateau just outside the town. It was one 
of our most picturesque camps, but that fact interested us but little at 
that time. We were dog-tired, and after a hasty mess most of us climbed 
under our shelters and corked off. 

[47] 



() 



Two more days followed and wc put l)cliiiid vis the town of Vicville. 
Al this slop most of the Battery went wilhoul hri'akfast. failing to reach 
the kitchen in {'mwv. Luckily our hike (o Uhmchexille was compara- 
ti\tly short, and on arrixini!; \]vvv all Lilooni was dispelled by the sight 

f a lua\y eonsignnunl of lirsl and secontl-elass mail, our heavy freight, 
and (he liarrack hags wln\h we hadn't seen since leaving Cam]) de 
roet(|uidan. (ireal hilarity and joy reigned for several hours; candy 
and cigarelles were again pU'utilul, and e\ en home made cakes, ship])ed 
in llu' pan Irom ihe States were in t'\ idence. Billets were occupied, and 
\\i' immediately began to gi't ac(|uainted with our I'"rench neighbors 
through the always effect i\i' medium of American sweets and cigarettes. 
We began to settle down foi- a considerable sta_\', inijiroving our (|uarters 
here and there, and getting om" e(|uii)ment in tn"st-class condition once 
moil'. Rumors of another front had almost died out again when one 
afternoon Major Chaffee called the Battalion together and told us we 
had bei'ii ordered to lake owv anolher si'Clor. 

With the change of plans canu' a change of wt'ather. After spending 
two da\s in ileaning e\er\lhing in sight wi' now followed a road of mud 
and wati'r that si)on coxered ovu' t.'(|uipmenl inches di'cp. And with the 
rain came I'old, so that the dri\ers, chilled through, ultimately would 
take to the road, their saddles immediately being tilled by footsore 
cannoneers, only too glad for the change and rest until they in turn were 
driven to ext'rcist- for warmth. 

"March ,^oth, LilTol-Le-retil, though much like a thousaiul other 
I'li'mh \illages, pro\ i-d a welcome refuge for the night, — the e\'e of 
Easti'r Sunda\-. it was a mighty i)oor war on Ivister ^Morning. We 
took to the road earlv. Too early, it seenu-d, and spent three hours in 
standing still in tlu' middle o{ a ruiming ri\er o\ nuul with no sort of 
shelter at hand, l^verybody grumbleil about anxthing they could 
think o\, but later on in the da\- it cleared and as we passed through 
Neufchaleau wi' were able to ajipreciate the wonderful scenery around 
that citv. On reaching Neufchateau many of our olftcers were sent 
ahead to learn the ground of our new sector northwest of Toul, while 
the Battery struck through to Brancourt and Bagne, passing through 
the city of Toul, anti arriving at Lucy on Aiiril jnd. There we found 
lu\ui\' in cols and electric lights. 

On April ;rd the ist platiHMi, or lirst, secontl, fifth, and sixth sections, 
started the last lap of the big hike. This brought them to Rangeval 
where the echelon was establislunl. The lirst two gun crews movetl to 
the front along the Heaumonl .Mandres roail that night, relieving one 

[48] 



platoon of the Fifth Field Artillery, U. S. A. The next day the rest of the 
Battery followed to Rangeval, the third and fourth sections completed 
the relief of a Battery of the Fifth Regiment, and details helped take over 
the position of 05 mm guns at Dead Man's Curve, and man llie anti- 
tank battery in Seicheprey. 

"The big hike" had extended over a period of eighteen days. With 
the exception of the stay in Thil and Hlancheville, the Battery had 
covered not less than twenty kilometers e\'ery day. All sorts of weather 
had been encountered and rations had frequently failed to reach us. 
The men and horses both had suffered wet and hunger, yet the Battery 
came through the hike in excellent condition. And one great result had 
been accomplished. American troops were showing themselves all over 
France. The sea-ports had seen them land. The towns of the S. O. S. 
had seen them go through in their "box cars." Now the towns imme- 
diately behind the lines, the people who had the most to fear from the 
German Armies saw a new force. They didn't know the numbers, but 
the big hike had acted as propaganda of the best sort. The i)eople of 
all France knew that the Americans had come. 



OUR FRIEND. 



We made his acquaintance at Coci, 
Got more friendly at Banc-de-Pierre. 
At Toul he was ahvays on duly 
And followed us closely from there. 

It was then that he wore out his welcome. 
When we realized he wanted to stay. 
At night he raised havoc and bedlum, 
Though he did fairly well through the day. 

Persistence and Speed were his mottoes, 
And he thrived on the simplest of fare. 
The folds of a shirt were hut grottoes, 
Where he cuddled and hid from the air. 

He always left much irritation, 
In the wake of his wriggly old paths, 
And he stuck, to our great consternation. 
Till we stepped into Camp Devens baths. 



[49] 



-/•'. C. F 



Northwest of Toul. 



nplll'", Anu'iican Sector, as that section of the front nt)rthwest of 
Toul was known since its occupancy by the First Division, 
U. S. A., ci)vered about eighteen kilometers along the Paris-Metz 
highway. Opposite this sector and seeming to cast a shadow over it 
was MonlsiH-, well fortified by the Germans. From this position the 
German artillery could effectually pound the entire sector. In spite of 
this achantage of ]-)osition, the Germans had been content to remain 
quiet for wars, so that what we were taking owv was kni)wn as a c|uiet 
sector. 

It was wi'll lor B J^attery that it was. On April 3d, the 1st platoon 
moved from Lucy to Rangexal, wlu-re our echelon was established in an 
old monasterv. That night the i)latoon started for the front. While 
rounding a curve, the park wagon which carried the men's ecjuipment 
went off the side of the road into a ditch. With many "heaves" from 
those who didn't have to heave, the wagon was forced back onto the road 
and the trip to the front resumed. This happened on what we later 
knew as "Dead Man's Curve," because of the effectiveness of the 
attention the Germans ]\\u\ to it. 

Passing through Beaumont, just 
beyond the cur\e, we turned to the 
left, following a road which appar- 
ently followed the line of the front. 
Judging from the star shells and Hares 
we were pretty close to the front 
lines. A short distance out on this 
road we were met by guides from the 
Fifth Field Artillery, who led us to 
the gun position known as Bryan L 
We took over their guns, which were 
already in position, learned what we 
could of our new position from our 
guides, and then found bunks in the dugouts, while our friends from the 
regulars disappeared. 



A COLD 5H0Wm 6LF0fiL^MmFA5TX..V 

T! 




[50] 




The Searching Party. Bryan II. Toul Sector. 

With the mornmg we had an opportunity to see what our new position 
was Hke. We were just off the Beaumont Ridge Road, Beaumont itself 
was to our right, beyond that "Dead Man's Curve" and Mandres. Off 
to our left was Ramboucourt and in our rear La Reine forest, which was 
soon occupied by the second platoon of our Battery. Over the ridge in 
front of us were the towns of Seicheprey, Xivray, and Richecourt, and 
beyond them Montsec. 

Our dugouts were different from what we had expected, instead of 
having dug in, the constructors of these dugouts had built them up 
above the ground. Constructed from earth, sand bags, I beams, logs 
and re-enforced concrete, they afforded protection from shells up to 
those as large as our own cent cinquante cinqs. Being above the ground, 
however, we were soon to find out that they afforded an excellent target. 
There were six dugouts in all for quarters, besides smaller ones for 
powder, fuses, shells and one for a first-aid station. A narrow-guage 
track ran from the road to the position, and this we used in transferring 
ammunition, and supplies from trucks to the position. A small well on 
the left provided all the water we needed. 



[51] 



"Rut wIkiI ni;i(K- llu- pusilion bad was llu' nuid and water. Tlu' ,<i;un 
pits Will' luiniaturi' laki'S, and it was lU'ccssar)' to wear slickers when 
iirini;;. l)uck-boards around the intsition made walking a h'tlle more 
possible. The inside of the du,u;outs were as bad, the occupants of the 
lower bvnd-;s thidini:; it wisi' to stretch their slickers over tire chicken 
nettini^. Vhv work of draining; the position was immediately started 
and plans wire made for improvinsj; the position in other ways. 

While the lirst jtiatoon was becoming;- ac(|H;;inted with Hr)an 1 the 
rest of the Battery was nio\in,t;' from l,uc\' to Rangeval, where horse 
lines were stretched, and the drixers and those who were to remain in 
the I'chelon fonnd (|narters in what was lift of an old monaster)'. The 
same e\ening, Thursday, April 4th, the second platoon, and two details, 
the ''Ninety-Fives" and "Anti-Tankers" left for the front. 

'Idle second jilaloon mined into position in that ]iart of La Reine 
I'orest known as Hois de C'harnot . The r.ew position known as Bryan I!. 
was immediately in the rear of that taken o\ er by the lirst platoon at 
Bryan T. 'I'he lirst ni^ht, part of the jilatoon slept in dugouts and the 
rest in shacks l)uill of "elephant iron." The next day the boys started 
diggini:;, tr_\ing to get as far under ground as the ollicers, but nexer (|uite 
succeeding. The guns we now had were taken from the k'ifth Field 
Artillery when we entered the position. The gun thus acquired by the 
tliird section, named b\- its prexious owners, "Big Ben," was the first 

gun of heavy tield ar- 
'■^' - _ - „ .7::^ tillery to lie nred by 

Americans, ami we felt 
a certain pride in pos- 
sessing it. 

Our supplies and 
ammunition were im- 
loaded at a Y dump 
about two kilometers 
away, and hauled from 
there to the position 
o\ er the narrow-guage 
tracks. 

When those men 

who were going with 

the anti-tankers and ninely-tixers lined uj) at the echelon, speculation 

was rife as to their destination. The general opinion liad been created 

that they were going to school, along with details from the other bat- 



^. 




[52] 



teries. When the entire detail of ninety-fivers lined up under Lieut. 
Davis, they knew different. "You men are goins; on a danfferous job. 
If there are any of you who don't wanl lo ,2;o, you may return to your 
Batterie.s now, and other men will be sent, if you arc willinji; to go, you 
must go knowing that you nuisl do as ordered, and that it will only be 
by the steadiest compliance with orders that we will all get back with 
our skins if c\'cn then." 

That didn't sound nuich like school. Trucks were ready and soon 
the detail was on its way — towards the front. After a few hours of 
riding in the dark, the truck halted. Shells were falling ahead. We 
waited a few moments and a voice from the dark said, " You've got just 
four minutes — make it fast." The trucks started, around a curve, then 
stopped. We were ordered out and almost before the last man was on 
the ground the trucks were off again. Two guides who had evidently 
been looking for us, ai)peared, and we immediately left the road. Our 
guide seemed in a hurry, and as we were going through mud, ankle deep, 
and over what seemed like plowed land many spills resulted. At last we 
reached what was evidently a gun position, and found bunks in dugouts. 
In s]nte of the fact that we were told to be ready to fire, nothing happened 
that night. 

Next morning Lieut. Davis began organizing his Battery. Four gun 
sections and a telephone detail were formed. Broadhead of A Battery 
was top kick, and along with Lieut. Davis as officers were Lieuts. Wheat, 
of our own outfit, and Ayer of C Battery. The Battery had four pieces 
of what seemed an ancient model. They were ninety-five millimeters in 
calibre, and mounted on great high wheels. There was no recoil mechan- 
ism to the gun itself, although the piece was fastened to the flooring of 
the pit by a contrivance which might be called the recoil. Two large 
blocks in back of the wheels, however, served to catch the piece, after it 
had been fired, and roll it back into position. A large iron wheel on the 
floor, just fitting between the wheels of the piece, served to bring the 
gun back into the same position every time. Whenever the gun was 
fired the barrel would rock up and down on its pivot to the very great 
danger of the gunner if he attempted to set the piece too quickly. In 
spite of all this the gun was accurate. In setting the piece, the gunner 
placed himself directly before it, set his quadrant at the proper deflec- 
tion, rested it on a rail set in the ground in front of the piece, and then 
peered through the quadrant until the hair lines crossed in a mirror 
fastened to the front of the ])iece. The other cannoneers did not find 
their duties so very different from those with the regular Battery. An 

[53] 



officer and two men from the regulars who had remained behind to in- 
struct us. stayed one day and then left. There was a small detail of 
French soldiers at the position, but they left on the fourth day and were 
more than glad to get away. 

The position itself was nothing to brag about. Situated on "Dead 
Man's Curve," it was constantly subjected to shell fire. What we 
thought was plowed land the night before had been plowed by shells. 
The dugouts, however, were deep. They had been built by the French, 
with an eye to safety. While we occupied them, the third section 
dugout was twice hit squarely by a 210 shell, but successfully stood the 
test. Draining was a problem, but it was soon met. 

The gun pits were sadly in need of repair and the men soon found life 
was to be no snap. The gun pits were repaired and strengthened, pits 
dug to drain the dugouts, and every so often a detail worked the pumps. 
There was standing gun drill twice a day. Ammunition had to be 
brought from the road on a narrow-guage track, while for water it was 
necessary to walk nearly to Beaumont. For weeks the supply depart- 
ment failed to find the position and the men lived on hard-tack, "corned 
willie" and coffee left by the regulars. The result was every man suffer- 
ing from diarrhoea, but only one man was forced to leave the position. 
Then it developed that the supplies were being left in Mandres, thereby 
giving us a nice trip around the curve with a flat car, but by watching 
the time of the German shooting it was safely done. Added to all this 
someone conceived the idea of having us stand reveille and retreat. At 
least life in the new Battery was not slow. 

The anti-tankers found themselves in a novel situation. After leaving 
the trucks that detail had been led through communication trenches 
right up to the front lines with the Infantry. Here machine guns and 
one-pounders were supjilied to the new outfit, and they were given 
instructions in the part they would have to play in case of an attack. 

So April 5th found (he men of Battery B pretty well scattered about 
the sector, from the echelon in Rangeval to the anti-tankers out in the 
front lines. The first few weeks passed rather quietly except for the 
ninety-fivers. Lieut. Davis and his new Battery made their reputation 
in a couple of weeks and were generally busy either in receiving or sending 
shells. The 3d piece had been hit twice, once by high explosive and once 
by a gas shell, but answered every call to fire. This was Corporal Lovell's 
section. The boys at Bryan II were busy keeping the lines of communi- 
cation to Ansauville and " Champagne '" open. At Bryan I the position 
had been greatly improved and the boys were finding more time for 

[54] 



themselves. Back at the echelon the Battery had entered the halls of 
fame, because of their model kitchen. 

About this time a floating gun crew was organized. This crew had as 
its object the relief of the regular gun crews for a short time. The result 
was that the floating gun crew 
had perhaps the toughest job 
of all, and during our stay in 
this sector, was in more action 
than any of the regular gun sec- 
tions. On April loth the Bat- 
tery suffered its first casualties — 
two men at Bryan II were 
slightly wounded. 

On Ai)ril 17th, it became 
known that the Germans were 
planning something for the near 
future. At 3:15 on the morning 
of the twentieth it came, and the 
Battery found itself experiencing 
its first battle. High explosives 
and gas shells rained on all the 
positions but the fire on "Dead 
Man's Curve" and the Battery 
of ninety-fivers was especially 
heavy. Strangely enough this 
Battery was the first of our own 
artillery to reply. Soon all the American artillery in the sector was 
answering, but shortage of powder forced certain sections to stop 
shortly. Bryan I was so handicapped, but Bryan II kept pounding 
away until late in the day. At the Battery of ninety-fives the damage 
was heavy. High explosive shells tore the position to pieces. Gas 
was thrown in sufficiently heavy to force the men to wear masks. 
The third section, Corporal Lovell's, which had been the first to 
reply when ordered to fire, had been in action less than a half hour 
when an H. E. shell, landing directly in the pit, either killed or severely 
wounded all but one of the crew. Cheever, Jordan, and Lovell, 
the three B Battery men on the crew were all badly wounded. 
Two other sections had been out of action at the start, but the second 
section fired until late in the evening when they were ordered to cease. 
A shell landing directly behind the third gun pit had killed the Top 





Steve follo%ving the Ponies. 



[55] 



Sergeant, Josh Broadlu-ad, ami Lieut. Ayer. Lieut. Wheat was l)adly 
woimcU'd and l.iiul. Davis was hit although he refused lo leave the 
position. Gordon from 1". Hattery, while attempting to bring in Wilson, 
who had been wi)unded while with his section, was killed along with 
Wilson. 

While the pieces were tluis engaged Ryley and Moulton did excep- 
tionally fme W(M-k repairing the lines. Later Ryley twice made the trij) 
around the "CurNe," in orcK'r to ha\e ambulances sent to the position. 
At six o'clock the ambuhuui's anixi'd and with them Father Farrell. 
\\\irk was immediately started in remoxing the WDunded. Father 
Farrell attempted to lend the men, still tiring, a hand, but was severely 
wounded himself and sent to the hosi)ital. Lieut. Andrews, who hail 
been sent to help Lieut. Daxis, was also wounded and forced to leave in 
an ambulance, and more men had to be sent from the echelon to take 
the place of the men lost. 

Meanwhile the anti-tankers had attempted to withstand the Gernum 
attack along with the Infantry, but the town of Seicheprey was soon 
tilled with attacking forces. Wolf was wounded and while attempting 
to bind his wound was taken prisoner. The entire C Battery detail 
found themselves surrounded antl were forced to surrender. The de- 
tachment became divided, each man attempting to do what he could to 
help the infantry, Sherman doing exceptionally good work. When 
later the machine gunners drove the Germans back and Seicheprey was 
retaken by the Americans, the anti-tankers were ordered back to their 
Batteries. 

At Bryan I, when the powder ran out, orders were received to evacuate 
the position. The pieces were manhandled to the road, but the drivers 
found it impossible to get around "Dead Man's Curve." The pieces 
were ordered back again, and after two attempts had been frustrated by 
shell tire, the third, under cover of darkness, was successful. For a 
while alter the Seicheprey alTair things were quiet at Bryan I and Bryan 
IL Two days after the battle the ninety-iivers had evacuated their 
position. The pieces were sent to Toul for repairs. Later the detail 
took up a new position behind Mandres, but the new position was 
unimportant. 

On May 5th the Germans attempted to destroy Bryan L Heavy 
shells, Russian 203's, were sent over. Examination of the fuses later 
resulted in the interesting discovery that the Battery had been shelled 
with ammunition made in Providence. The shelling was so severe that 
the gun crews were forced to leave the position and seek refuge in the 

[56] 



engineers dugout across the Beaumont Road. The position itself was 
practically wrecked although the guns were still intact. For the next 
two weeks the boys at Bryan I were busy making repairs while at Bryan 
IT it looked like a real rest camp. On May 14th a Battery of German 
77's shelled Bryan I and the second piece was out of action and had to 
be replaced. 

Towards the end of May rumors were going around to the effect that 
the Americans were to start something. On May 3Tst it happened. 
At I •.i,o in tlie morning the crews at Bryan I and Bryan H were ordered 
out, shortly afterward the seventy-fives around us opened u\), then 
the heavier guns, and at 2:30 our own regiment joined in. The attack 
continued for fifty-five minutes during which time oiw Infantry raided 
Richecourt, Lahayville, and returned with — one prisoner, a boy 16 years 
old. The artillery had lired 16,440 shells in the short hour of action 
and absolutely everything opposite was destroyed. A German battery 
replying dropped a number of shells on Bryan I and Bud Finley was 
slightly wounded. 

'Jlie days following saw intermittent tiring by both sides. Sundays 
were the worst. ''Top" O'Neil explained it by saying that the German 
families had picnics to the front on Sunday and "Papa" had to amuse 
little Heinie by letting him pull the lanyard. On the 8th of June the 
echelon was moved from Rangeval to Lagney. 

On the 17th of June a German airplane dropped circulars with the 
pictures of the Twenty-Sixth Division boys captured at Seicheprey and 
invitations to join them. 

At 3:15 on the morning of June i6th, the Germans suddenly started 
a terrific barrage. Not only were the forward positions shelled as in 
the Seicheprey affair, but also all villages in the rear. High explosives 
and gas shells were landing on both Battery positions. At 3:30 the gun 
crews were ordered out. At Bryan 1 the first gun was out of action 
immediately. The shell abri had been demolished by a direct hit, 
burying the ammunition and killing Fred Harmon, who was on guard. 
The second section fired until ordered to evacuate the position. The 
men made their way the best they could to the engineers' trenches, 
where they waited until the firing ceased to return to their positions. 
At Bryan H, by working in reliefs, the men kept both guns going and 
Lieut. Babcock observing reported eight enemy batteries silenced. 
The German attack had failed, our Infantry successfully defending 
Xivray and Marvoisin. 

[57] 



At noontime the fire had slackened enough to permit the removal of 
Harmon's body from the dugout tt) Mandres. Lot 105, in tlie rear of 
the little church at Mandres, marks the grave of one of the best men to 
go out with Battery B, and the lirst to gi\e his life. 

Tlie lloating gun crew now took o\er the work of the first section, and 
the third section from Bryan II relieved the second. On June igth the 
engineers put oxer a projector gas attack. The result was a thorough 
strafeing of all our positions. The last days were ((uiet ones. On 
June 26th the order came to return to the echelon. Bryan I pulled out 
without (lifTiculty and proceeded to the Y dum]). At Bryan 11 it looked 
like a tough i)roposition getting the guns out, but Lieut. Metcalf had 
the bright idea of putting them on the flat cars. The ]ilan worked 
successfully contrary to e\ery one's e.\i)ectation, and a small gasoline 
engine hauled them to the \' (luin[). Here the men from Bryan I joined 
those from Bryan 11 and then Lieut. Metcalf, with his 6 ft. 5 in a saddle, 
set the pace to the echelon. If wishes would have performed things that 
night, it would ha\e taken Lieut. Metcalf twenty-six years, and then 
some, to ha\e got back to the U. S. A. Lagney was reached at midnight. 
On June ^Sth the entire Battery left Lagney and marched to Gye and 
billeted. Two days later found the Battery entraining at Toul for some 
luiknown point. 

Rumor had many destinations, as Southern France for a rest; 
furloughs; the most ])0])ular, parading in Paris the Fourth. As the 
train was on the main Toul to Paris railroad, this feeling was increased. 
When linally a jerky stop was made at Noisy-Le-Sec, which is outside of 
Paris, the delight of the boys knew no bounds and then — the train 

started again. We were 
switched around and travelling 
straight back towards the front. 
At fust the boys gave vent to 
their disappointment, but there 
is nothing the American soldier 
is if not a i)hilosopher, and in 
an incredibly short time, the 
turning away from Paris was 
taken as a matter of fact, and 
the i)oys began speculating on 
"Where do we go from here?" 




Birds of a Feather. — ^Toul. 



[.vS 







m 

THIERR 




/^HAUTEAU-THIERRY ! For the second time in its history, 
this Httle town on the banks of the Marne occupied the atten- 
tion of the civilized world. The second battle of the Marne was in 
progress, the Germans were making their last and most desperate thrust 
at Paris. The Americans were turning the tide and if the Germans were 
to force the Allies to admit defeat, it had to be before more of Uncle 
Sam's Doughboys arrived. Just how determined the enemy was in 
this his last drive was shown by the desperate fighting around Belleau 
Woods, when the Second Division, U. S. A., and Marines "stopped 
them." 

All this was happening just as we were leaving the sector Northwest 
of Toul for "the big rest." But the fighting around Belleau Woods had 
worn out the Second Division and Marines. They needed relief. So it 
happened that when we reached " Noisy ^Le-Sec," all keyed up for 
"the big parade in Paris on the Fourth of July," we received a sudden 
jolt, by being started back toward the front without even having de- 
trained. The Twenty-Sixth had been chosen to finish the job of smash- 
ing the German drive and of starting the Germans back on their big 
retreat. How well the job was done can be judged from the words of 
General Degoutte, commander of the French Army: "The 26th 
Division alone is responsible for the whole Allied advance on the Marne. 
They are shock troops par excellence." 

On July 2, late at night, we detrained at Ligny, and immediately 
started one of our "nice little hikes." We plodded along all night with 



59] 



no seeming end to tin- journey. About two o'clock the next afternoon 
we reached Jouarre, and a halt was called. Horse lines were stretched 
and pup tents pitched while waiting for mess. The meal, however, was 
hardly over when orders came to prcjjarc to mo\c. At dusk we moved 
out. l\arly the next morning we reached Citry. Pup tents were again 
pitched and horse lines stretched in a meadow in front of a rather pre- 
tentious looking C'hatcau. A charming place and one in which we 
would have been delighted to have spent a couple of days. But no such 
luck. That evening the Regimental band "entertained" with a concert. 
When they ceased we sought sleej), and a whistle blew. "Harness and 
hitch and i)repare to move!" 

'I1ic guns had been parked in a lane, com|)letely screened from the eyes 
of enemy aviators by great trees. The night itself was pitch black, and 
it seemed as if the shadow of the trees intensified this darkness. To 
expedite things a few lanterns were lighted, but Fritz heaved over a 
few G. I. cans. Freddy Black admitted that he knew it would happen, 
and lights were dispensed with. On each side of the lane there were 
reserve trenches and dugouts. Many a tumble was the result. At last 
the start was made, and the morning of the fifth found us hack in 
Jouarre. Tt was beginning to look like a game of checkers. 

The next move and the real beginning came the following evening. 
The gun crews left Jouarre and followed the guns and caissons to Cham- 
igny on the Paris-Metz highway. The guns were run into position, ready 
for action, on the edge of the road. A skeleton gun crew was left on 
duty while the rest of the boys found quarters in a large farm house 
across the fields. The next day the Battery Field Train joined the 
firing Battery, the park wagons and other carts being brought uj) one 
at a time so as to conceal the size of the troop movements from tlie 
Germans. The same evening the second platoon moxed into position 
in the woods near Ferme dlssinge, opposite Bois de Belleau, relieving 
one platoon of a Battery of the 17th Field Artillery, Second Division. 
The next day, July 8th, the first platoon followed the second, com- 
pleting the relief of the Battery of the 17th. 

At the same time the echelon was divided. The horses of the gun 
sections were always close to the pieces, but the remainder of the echelon 
— most of the field train mo\ed back to Jouarre and after this just 
kept close enough to keep supplies gt)ing forward. 

The move to Ferme dTssinge was the final one for a number of days. 
IMv was monotonous. I'ire and dig trenches, dig trenches and fire; the 
kind of work that makes every one grumble. On the morning of the 

loo] 



14II1 llie first piece moved into position in front of Ferme Paris or Paris 
Farm, as we called it. Things were growing a bit livelier. Our own 
Artillery Brigade joined with a French brigade in reducing a patch of 
woods behind the German lines in which large forces of reserves had been 
concentrated. The seventy-fives had thrown a box barrage around the 
woods while our own cent cinquante cinqs demolished the target. 

On the afternoon of the i8th it became evident that things were 
shaping u]) for some real fireworks. Great supplies of ammunition were 
being Ijrought up. That evening the second, third and fourth pieces 
moved into position with the first. Then came natures ])relude — a 
terrible electric storm. Mids't the rumbling of thunder, the flashes of 
lightning, and a terrible downpour of rain, the men were ordered to 
their ])()st. For hours they stood there, greasing shells, without even 
the ct)nsolation of knowing the great work at hand. At one-thirty-five 
the order came to fire, and just as our guns spoke the whole front leaped 
into action. Flares, gun flashes, streaks of lightning, the rumble of 
thunder, the put-a-put of machine guns, the snap of the seventy-fives, 
the crash of the big guns, all combined to make it a night never to be 
forgotten. Even then we did not realize how great a task was in front 
of us, what great confidence the French had shown in the 26th by assign- 
ing it the position it now held. Later we learned that it was the most 
im])()rtant and dififitult i)osition of the great counter-offensive. 

All through that day and then through the night and then through 
the next day we fired incessantly, only taking time out occasionally to 
cool and swab the guns. The Germans had made a feeble attempt to 
respond to our fire but had soon been quieted. As we lengthened our 
range the 26th Division Infantry entered Torcy after the fiercest kind 
of fighting. At the end of the second day we realized what a change 
was taking place on the front. Our guns had a range of thirteen miles. 
We had started immediately in back of the front line trenches. Now 
we were firing at our maximum range and could not reach the Germans. 
They were on the run. They had been driven out of their trenches and 
dug-outs and now it was to be open warfare. 

On the morning of the twenty-second, the Battery moved into Sorcerie 
Woods, but only for a short while. That night we moved into position 
near Beceau which because of its general a])pearance at this time, we 
called "the slaughter house." Here we exchanged shots with a German 
battery, and were very fortunate to escape without losses. 

We occupied this position for almost two days, or until the afternoon 
of the twenty-fourth, when wc moved into position east of Epieds. 

[61] 



This WHS our first opportunity to sec the damage wrought by our own 
guns. Torcy the first town through which we passed, was alxsoiuteiy 
demolished. I'^erything was le\-cl with the ground. It would have 
taken a wonderful imagination to picture the ruins we saw as orderly 
rows of buildings. Our infantry as well as the Germans had suffered 
lu'axily. 

Cercy and Belli'au were the same as Torcy. The hike liad taken all 
night and dawn was just breaking wlu'U we pulled into j^osition northeast 
of Courpjil. The guns were hastily camoutlaged and the horses put 
under cover. The first anni\-ersary of the date we were mustered into 
the federal service found that ser\ice telling on the men. A spare 
gun crew was formed under Cor|)oral Lo\ell, the object being to relieve 
the other gun crews in turn and gi\(' llu'in a rest, and also to ha\e a 
crew around to carry amnnmit ion, dig, and do all the other extra jobs. 
It was highly successlul as lar as tlu' work went, but no one got a rest. 

No great amount of action took place here. The Gern"!ans dn.pped a 
few shells o\er, which landed pretty close, but we sent sonu' back that 
probably landed closer. That night the second platoon nu)\ed forward 
again and took up another position about two kilometers away. Inter- 
mittent firing followed for the rest of llu' night and all the ne.xt day. 
On the night of the 27th we were nioxiiig again and the entire Battery 
took up a position in an aj)ple orchard northeast of Beauvardes. Action 
started immediately. So far the gun crews had been lucky. A few 
men had been wounded and a number of horses lost. On the jSth. a 
Itattery which the Germans had left behind to co\er their retreat found 
the exact range of our Battery and then a barrage on the position and 
forward horse lines followed. Leeman, who had joined the Battery at 
Toul, was killed, a number of the boys were wounded, some of them 
severely, and seven horses were killed. German aviators heli)ed to 
make things li\-(>ly for us, and for the first time in our experience we 
found a use for the rille. 

We remained in position here until August 2nd. Our infaiilr}- mean- 
while, had been relieved by the 28th l)i\-ision Doughboys, only to have 
to come back into the lines again. The 42nd Division Doughboys now 
relieved our own, but the Twenty-Sixth Artillery followed along in 
support. On :\ugust 2nd we moved forward to a new position near 
Villier-sur-Fere on the banks of the Ourc(|. We had rather expected a 
difficult job in crossing this ri\er. The only ones who found it so were 
the members of the spare gun crew. In some way they got their feet 
wet while carrying shells across the iiuuli talked of stream. Sergy, the 

[62] 



last town Uiken Ijy our Infantry, was just in front of the position, and 
there was plenty of evidence of the character of the lighting which had 
gone on for possession of this town. 

The next day, August 3rd, we made our last move forward through 
the town of Sergy to ajiosition near Chery Chartreuse. We had ad- 
vanced farther against the enemy than any other division. We were as 
proud of that as we were of the evidence of the result of our firing. Any- 
one who thought the artillery at ail unessential, needed only to follow 
u]) the drive, before the damage was camouflaged by the engineers, to 
find out their mistake. 

On August 5th we were relieved by the 4th Division and started back 
that evening. The ne.xt morning we reached Tieauvardes. Here we 
met the rear echelon, which had had experiences all its own, l)ut just as 
exciting and trying as that of the gun crews. 

"Whitney's Circus," as the rear echelon and reginieiita! horse lines had 
been dubbed, had remained in Jouarre a few days. Then as the Jiattery 
positions moved forward the "Circus" prepared to do likewise. The 
first move brought it to the outskirts of Essommes, a wheat field just 
outside of the town serving as a camping ground for three days. The 
hardships of war on the civilized population could be all too ])lainly seen 
here. Many pathetic, and many grewsome sights were to be seen in 
the houses of the town and in the hills beyond. 

The next move took the echelon through Chateau-Thierry, but instead 
of following the left bank of the Marne as the firing Battery had, it 
crossed the river and followed the right. That night Mont St. Pere was 
reached out of which the Germans had been driven only a few hours 
previous. It was a beautiful moonlight night and this made the " Circus" 
visible to the German aviators. As the boys left the town and reached 
the parking area they were met with what seemed a veritable shower of 
bombs. The sky seemed full of planes. While it lasted it was "some 
party." After the "birds" had left, the horses and wagons were parked 
in the open and then the men sought the safest possible "parking place" 
for themselves. They were up before day break to camouflage the 
wagons. In the afternoon they prepared to move to safer cjuarters. 

To do this it w'as found necessary to cross a pontoon bridge, built by 
the 6th Engineers. A half dozen wagons were over when nine enemy 
planes appeared. They opened up with machine guns and hand gre- 
nades. Some of the boys who were hiking had reached the opposite 
bank when one aviator, swooping down a little lower than the others 
heaved over a hand grenade, and Billy Brailsford, one of the flnest boys 

[63] 



to leave Providence with the Battery, was down. The boys did all they 
could and an ambulance was secured to rush Billy to a field hospital, but, 
as was afterwards learned, he died before the hospital could be reached. 
Soon after this some of our own aviators a])i)eared and chased the 
Boches. 

We next passed through Mezzy, a town the boys of the rear guard 
will never forget. A few days of "easy life" was passed here and then a 
new move was made to Beauvardes, where the firing Battery found them. 

In the afternoon of August 6th the reunited Battery moved out and 
in a driving rain plodded its way back through Torcy and Chateau - 
Thierry to Auluois where the boys, wet and hungry, were more than 
contented to find billets — the first in many days — in the deserted houses 
of the town. Auluois was reached a])out two o'clock in the morning. 
Six hours later the Battery was again on the road. The weather, how- 
ever, had cleared and as we followed the Marne the front was already 
beginning to seem far away. That night we reached Courcelles, or 
La Ferte as we knew it. Pup tents were pitched in the same meadows 
that we pitched them in when we started the drive. 

Now things were a little different. We had been through a great 
experience. In order to make us "forget it" passes to Paris were issued 
to some. Others went A. W. O. L. The Colonel gave a party with 
Haigh, Barnes and Cook assisting. It was some party. Then, too, there 
was a swimming hole and the "cootie machines." The cooks were 
making special efforts, in fact everything combined to bring the boys 
back to normal after the strain. It worked and before we left La Ferte 
the sickening stench of the front and the screaming of incoming shells 
were almost forgotten. 

While in La Ferte we suffered more losses, l)Ut in a different way. 
Captain MacLeod, who had commanded the Battery through most of 
the drive was taken away and made a major. He certainly deserved it, 
but we didn't like to see him leave us. Major Hanley, who always 
really seemed "our Captain," Lieutenant Metcalf, who generally made 
us smile although we weren't sure whether he was "kidding" or "razzing" 
us. Lieutenant Stark, whose work at the front made him popular, Lieut. 
"Jawn" Garrett, of horse line. and riding breeches fame, Lieut. Colonel 
Chaffee, whom we all admired as a real and efficient soldier, were ordered 
back to the States to get a new di\ision ready to "come across." Cap- 
tain Carey took charge of the Battery. 

On August 13th we broke camp, marched to the railhead at La Ferte 
and entrained for what was to prove to be one of our most pleasant 
memories of France. 

[ 64] 




UGLEY 




npHE Battery detrained at Latrercy, Cote-D'Or, after a very pleasant 
ride in the French Puhmans from La Ferte. The boys thought as 
they saw Chaumont in the distance that the much-promised rest was to 
be spent in a lively French town, but circumstances turned out in their 
usual manner and Chaumont was left far behind. Murmurs of dis- 
appointment were heard as orders were given to detrain at Latrercy. 
This was a wonderful place for a rest in the literal meaning of the word, 
but the boys wanted to see a little of life and wanted to visit cafes and 
restaurants where they might satisfy a long disregarded and robbed 
stomach. But no stop was made here and the Battery moved over the 
road to Boudreville, where the night was spent. On Friday, the i6th 
we reached our destination, a small town, Leugley by name. The 
picket lines were established in a very picturesque meadow, hedged in 
by tall poplar trees and through which ran a small brook, the Ourcq. 

Leugley is a typical village of France and noticeably tidy are its streets 
and houses. Overlooking the town from a hill nearby is a quaint old 
church. Rumors had it that we were to spend some time in the S. O. S. 
resting and being refitted. But G. H. Q. thought our services indispen- 
sable and ordered a rather premature departure. This town to us was 
as the North Pole was to Peary. From here we were to leave on our 
permissions so generously prescribed from Chaumont. We were to 
rest. Did we? No ! 

We had no sooner arrived than we were immediately put to work 
doing some foolish thing or the other. At six in the morning, "Hoppy" 
or some foolish bugler, blew something which sounded like "Reveille," 
and every one had to turn out with the exception of the mail orderly and 
a few of the other favored ones. Breakfast was served, or rather thrown 

[65] 



in lilt' kitchen, wliicli was in a meadow across the brook from the horse 
Unes. In the forenoon, stancUnjj; gun (hill, grooming, watering, and all 
the either duties of a Battery stationed at Camp Devens. In the after- 
nt)on we had to suffer lectures, aiming drill, or target practice, and not 
to forget foot drill, such as the Infantry needs. However, the officers 
were most considerate, for on Saturday afternoons and Sundays we were 
free, that is some of us. 

A few forward persons thrust their ac(|ua'ntances upon some of the 
hospitable nati\cs and enjoyed their stay in Leugley. One family in 
particular was very considerate and amiable towards a grouj) of boys 
and treated them to dinners, boat rides, and swimming privileges on 
their estate. These very good peoi)le owned and operated a mill nearby 
wherein was manufactured wood alcohol. Many wished that they made 
a more drinkable product. 

Considerable pleasure was ohlaiiied in tlu' town from a dail}' publica- 
tion known as "Clrunt Issues" or tlu' "Daily En(|uirer." "Life" t)r 
"Judge" had nothing on it when it came to real wit. Below are some 
choice bits from this daring paper, if it may be called such: 

''Can Cooties die?" 

"Where's the YM C A?" 

"Why doesn't Headciuarters start a kitchen?" 

"When is canary-seed to be our regular ration?" 

"Do we ever K EST?" 

"How long, () Lord, how long must wt' iMidure such mess?" 

"How come, this distressing, cold, black bexerage?" 

"Why pass General Orders about the price of eggs to us?" 

"Could you invest a franc if you had one?" 

" Sherman said ' War is Hell,' but Rest Camps were beyond his ken." 

"Use and abuse, the Gentleman knows when to sto]x" 

"When Cooks are sick of cooking, let them join the army." 

" What happened to the two cans of beans which left the rear echelon? " 

And the following are from the "Grunt" i)ublished in other i)laces: 

"Five Minerva cookies and a demi-tasse of fountain pen ink for 
breakfast." 

"To come down to this 'Ilart, SchalTner & Marx' stutT, Oh Standish 
bring me n.)' alpaca !" 

[66] 



"Five loaves among a hundred men 1 Our cooks can'L perform the 
Biblical miracle." 

"Does the Mounted Orderly feed the sugar to the horses?" 

"Some of the high mucky-mucks hiked it this last tri]). Does chem- 
istry teach us that cold reacts upon " lead " so that it loses in weight?" 



Does the reader now believe that there is no humor in army life? War 
is not all that Sherman claimed it to be. 

The village of Leugley itself was remarkably well maintained. It was 
the cleanest and most hosi)itable ])lace that the Battery had ever visited. 
Sidewalks, a municipal water system and street sweepers from Battery 
B gave it a peculiar distinction. The weather during our stay was 
splendid — good, warm, summer days. 




[67] 



Bordering upon this town was Voulaines. Tn one of the chateaux of 
this village was Regimental Headquarters and from the steps of this 
building General Edwards gave his first talk to the men of the Regiment. 
It was a plain heart-to-heart talk from a leader who knew his men and 
how to lead them. He raised our spirits with the announcement that 
permissions had been applied for. In concluding, he wished to know the 
wants of the boys, and was immediately deluged with a storm of demands 
for pay, summer underwear, shoes, etc. It was laughable, but un- 
fortunately some of it was quite serious. After this speech the men 
applied for furloughs and a day or so later the lists of those who were 
to go first were posted. Almost everyone cabled for money from home. 
The hopes of a few weeks of real pleasure were again dashed when orders 
to leave the town were received. 

On August 25th at the conclusion of the first act of the Y D Minstrel 
Show given at Voulaines, Colonel Glassford announced with great 
excitement, "Men, we're off for another tight !" Two hours later the 
First Battalion was pulling out of Leugley and the populace stunned and 
anxious at the sudden departure turned out with cheers and tears to see 
us march away. 



SEICHEPREY. 



Seicheprey, the town, war ravaged and worn, 
Scarcely a place where a stiell has not lorn; 
Tottering walls tliat stand out in relief, 
Damp, chilly dugouts away underneath; 
Ruined masonry, stones, and tiles, 
Scattered equipment, salvage piles: 
Cooties, rats, odors vile and rank, 
This is the home of the Anti-tank. 

Seicheprey, the town where all is bereft, 
Save only the relics the War God has left. 
Nameless graves, half hidden in weeds: 
An atmosphere of valorous deeds: 
Forgotten trenches, neglected wire. 
Poison gas, and scattering fire, 
From Fritz, right out on our flanks; 
This is the home of tlie Anti-tanks. 



-{IVrillcn by F. C. Perkins icliilc in Seicheprey.) 
[68] 



Ib'STMIHlCI, 



'Pt, 







Saint Mihiel. 



\T7'E had enjoyed our pleasant and refreshing sojourn in Leugley; 
about the only thing we didn't do being to rest. The small 
postal telegraph station in the Hotel de Ville had never experienced more 
prosperous days, for everyone from the buglers to the general had 
cabled home for money to make Aix les Bains a second Monte Carlo. 
The permissions were planned from Leugley to all parts of the world. 
But events turned out in their usual fashion — our plans were mere 
castles in the air. After thirteen unlucky days we received orders to bid 
adieu to the hospitable civilians of this town by the Colonel in his brief 
expression that we were "off for another fight ". We were not greatly 
disappointed because we were heartily tired of foolish little drills and 
inspections. 

The orders to leave were sudden, arriving shortly after noon on 
Tuesday, August 25th. The friendly natives left their work to wish us a 
last farewell and Godspeed, and in many of their eyes were tears, for 
they well knew the tragedy of war. In their minds as well as in ours were 
thoughts of death in the lines. How many of these boys would be laid in 
the sad soil of France. With a shake of the head and a last parting, 
"C'est la guerre," the Battery plodded its way in the warm sunny after- 
noon over the. dusty roads which led through the ripening fields and- 
rolling hills to the town of Boudreville. The stop for the night was 
made here and bunks were made on the side of a low hill. As usual the 
curious populace looked on but the boys were too tired and low in spirits 
to be talkative. 

[69] 



At three of the next afternoon the Battery left Boudreville and reached 
the railroad sidhig at Latrecy at five. Conveniently located was a cafe, 
and many decided that the march was unusually hot and dusty, more- 
over there was a large amount of idle francs in the pockets, francs which 
were intended to defray the expenses of a few days in some famous 
watering resort. But the officers considered water to be the only 
beverage prescribed in regulations — fini the cafe, loading was more 
important. Spirits were somewhat dampened by the report that a man 
in A Battery had been run over and killed by one of the heavy guns. 
The loading was orderly and a competition was announced between the 
Batteries for speed in loading. The reason was probably to give stimulus. 
At nine in the evening and during a light shower the train left. Rumors 
as to our destination were many and varied, but no one really knew 
where we were going. 

Complaints and grumbling were in evidence, our equipment had not 
received satisfactory attention. The days and nights, mostly nights, 
during the offensive at Chateau-Thierry, had left us in very poor con- 
dition. Our clothing was poor, the food was unsatisfactory. But the 
gloomy spirit was only superficial, for underneath was a wonderful feeling 
and understanding of fraternal good cheer. 

This train journey was shorter than the ordinary, and at six o'clock 
of the next morning, August 2gth, we detrained in a town of fair size, 
Ligny. A road march of seven hours brought us to Longville, where the 
guns were parked and the boys snatched a few hours sleep. In the same 
town were men of another division who were telling us with great pride 
of standing as a support division to the British for six or seven days. 
And they thought they knew what war was ! "Where ignorance is bliss, 
'tis folly to be wise." Orders came again that evening for another 
hike and we began a twenty-five kilometer march at eight o'clock and 
were at Marat at three in the morning. Every piece of rolling stock had 
to be hidden and the boys were quartered in a square patch of woods 
bordering on a wheat field. A few who looked after themselves very 
well, appropriated as beds some of the gathered stacks of wheat, and 
were severely reprimanded for it the same day. 

We were still j)lodding northwards. Leaving Marat in the evening 
of the 30th, the Battery hiked through a miserable night of rain. The 
landscape was bleak, and extremely lonesome. Over white chalk roads, 
which dipped and rolled over hills where the chill winds blew mourn- 
fully. No moon, a biting piercing rain, the mud, the fatiguing hills, 
empty stomachs, everything seemed discouraging. The crunching of 

[70] 



the guns on the road and the steady plodding of the horses were the only 
sounds, to interrupt the whistling of the wind. We came to a cross-road 
and saw a sign-post marked "VERDUN." We took the road to the 
famous city. Were we to enter the lines where over a million men lost 
their lives. The mere word "VERDUN" carried a terrible meaning 
to us. But it also brought a thrill. 

At five o'clock in the morning of the 31st, we reached Heippes and 
pitched camp in a patch of woods. It was still raining. Heippes was 
one of those busy towns a score or so kilometers in the rear of the lines, 
in which were ammunition dumps, engineer dumps, and a railroad 
center. Guards were stationed with whistles and bugles to warn us of 
the approach of airplanes. Upon hearing such a warning everyone was 
to seek cover and remain there until "the bird" had disappeared. 
Everyone felt that something was going to happen in a few days — and 
something did. 

We remained in the woods between Heippes and St. Andre for six 
days, having rain the first four. Conditions were far from being 
comfortable. At 7:30 P. M. on September 5th, we were on the road 
again heading northeast. Twenty kilometers were covered that night 
and day break the next day saw us echeloned in a deserted French camp 
in the woods near Rupt-en-Woevre. This location was the best we had 
struck in some time. There were numerous huts built into the sides of 
the hills and most all of them contained wooden bunks and fireplaces. 
These would shelter us from the rain at least. Many of the boys chose 
to sleep in the open but they had a chance to regret their decision later. 
Pup tents were matched and everyone was as comfortable as the cir- 
cumstances would permit, when a terrific rain and hail storm washed 
almost everything down the hill. Those who were fortunate enough to 
secure places in the huts congratulated themselves. It was noticed at 
this time that there was an enormous trafBc over the roads at night, and 
piece after piece of artillery of all types was being advanced toward the 
lines. Yet not a bit of life was seen on the road in the day time. The 
horses were watered only a few at a time. Everything was done to 
conceal the presence of a large body of troops from the enemy observers. 
As was learned later, this precaution was responsible for the success of 
the offensive which took place a few days later. 

The Battery remained in the hills about Rupt-en-Woevre for four days, 
and some rest was obtained. The forward position of the guns was 
occupied on the 9th of September, in a very thickly wooded valley, 
Ra\'in d'Apparot. Considerable work was necessary to clear a space 

[71] . 



for the guns among the trees. The pieces were pulled in during a cold 
piercing rain, at night, and a few of the boys learned that a French 
Infantry kitchen was only a few rods distant. This offered some pro- 
tection from the rain and advantage was immediately taken of this fact. 
The cooks who were asleep got up and hospitably served the boys with 
rum and hot coffee, which was greatly appreciated. The horse lines 
were also advanced to a quarter of a mile in the rear of the guns. 

In the immediate vicinity of the ravine were innumerable Batteries 
both French and American, some coming from the very distant sector 
of Montdidier. "Long toms," seventy-fives, one fifty-five shorts, rail- 
road rifles, and howitzers were cleverly concealed throughout the entire 
region. Everything indicated a very cordial "Howd'ye-do" to Fritz in 
a few days. The first lines were three kilometers away. For three days, 
ammunition was continually being hauled to the various gun positions. 
It was also noticed that there was very little artillery action on this 
front. It was a sector where worn-out troops were given a chance to 
remain quiet and at the same time hold a portion of the line. 

The gun crews were called out at midnight on the 12th, and every 
thing was made ready. At one o'clock sharp on the morning of Friday 
the 13th, hundreds of guns flashed and hurled their tons of steel into the 
German positions. For miles around the sky was lighted with stabs of 
red, and the noise was terrific. One of the Battery officers remarked 
at the time that there were forty guns on one target. The boys worked 
with great enthusiasm. Hardly one return shell fell within hearing 
distance. For different intervals of time the guns were turned on various 
points of strong resistant power. The gun crews were working for all 
they were worth, the guns became hot from the continual fire. Never 
had we heard such terrific artillery action. 

Early in the day we heard the report that 10,000 prisoners, mostly 
Austrians, had been taken. The attack was a great surprise, and little 
resistance had been offered. The guns were soon out of range and were 
hurried on to the road. 

A number of boys hearing that the guns were not to be advanced that 
day, went on souvenir hunts into the trenches, which were occupied a 
few hours before by the unsuspecting troops. Winding their ways 
through tortuous communicating trenches they arrived in the front line 
trenches, overlooking no man's land. What a scene of desolation and 
destruction. The paths taken by our advance Infantry who were led by 
French Colonels, who knew the terrain perfectly, were easily followed. 
The barbed wire was not staked, but it appeared to have been thrown 

[72] 



carelessly and plentifully. There were hundreds and hundreds of yards 
of rusty wire, up through which the briars and grasses of four years had 
grown and almost completely hidden. The land was pocked with shell 
holes in which stagnant water had collected and which stunk horribly. 
Gaunt bare trunks of trees stood out hideously, nicked and shattered by 
shrapnel of terrible years. Here and there w^ere human bones, bleached 
by the pitiless sun. Duds of all calibres were strewn about and even 
these were cut by pieces of flying shell. Posters of propaganda were 
picked up addressed to Bavarian troops telling them that the real enemy 
of the Germans was not America, not France or England, but the House 
of Hohenzollern. Evidently these had been dropped by Allied airmen. 
After ripping puttees and trousers on the treacherous wire, the boys 
came to the German front line. What a contrast between the construc- 
tion of these and the French lines. The enemy trenches were about 
eight feet deep. The sides were built of evenly cut blocks of rock, 
cemented together. On the ground were duck-boards and at even 
distances in the firing walls were steel boxes containing grenades, signal 
rockets, etc. Here and there were firing steps. The dugouts were 
remarkable in their construction. In the direction of the French lines 
they extended to a depth of twenty or thirty feet. Comfortable beds, 
stoves, chairs and tables were found. It was told that even female 
clothing was discovered. 

From the front line trenches, cleverly camouflaged communicating 
trenches wound their way to the second and third lines of defense and 
into the woods. At the strategic and commanding points were cement 




Saint Remy. 



[73] 



block houses or cheese boxes, almost impre.snable in appearance, wherein 
were found machine guns and ammunition a plenty. Only a few dead 
soldiers were seen and this gave more evidence of the surprise and 
cleverness of the attack. Barracks complete with electric lights and 
water system were only a few kilometers from the trenches. A cemetery 
such as we had never seen before was nearby. The tombstones were of 
remarkable work with the names and regiments carefully engraved upon 
them. Every stone was made conspicuous by a black Maltese Cross 
thereon. Walks were neatly arranged and the entire cemetery was 
carefully fenced off. War and its terrible toll was certainly in evidence 
here. After obtaining numerous souvenirs, the boys returned to the 
gun positions in the Ravine and told of the real "Hindenburg Line." 

The next position to be taken up by the advance was located in Saint 
Remy, a little devastated town close to Les Eparges, famous in the 
earlier days of the War. The pieces were laid just off the road and 
fronting a swamp, which by the way was thoroughly appreciated later on. 
A quarter of a mile in front of the guns was a line of hills, the Heights 
the Woevre, from which a wonderful view could be obtained. Stretch- 
ing for miles on the further side of these hills was a plain, almost un- 
broken by any eminences, and a few fellows counted fifty-two villages 
scattered along the white roads of the valley. Far on the other side 
were the Heights protecting the city of Metz. It was easy to under- 
stand that an advance by either the Americans or Germans was im- 
possible, because of the wonderful facilities for observation on either 
line of hills. The heights in front of the position were honey-combed 
with caves and in one large underground chamber was a complete power 
station which supplied the electricity for miles around. The dugouts 
in this region were very elaborate and strong. The Germans certainly 
appreciated comfort. 

During the stay near Saint Remy the boys did as the French were 
wont to do. They immediately began to construct shacks with lumber 
and corrugated iron which was appropriated from the deserted German 
positions. Stoves were procured and bunks made. Of course all were 
camouflaged. The horse lines were about a niile in the rear and the 
drivers, like the men of the gun crews, did everything possible to make 
themselves comfortable. 

Every day there was considerable air activity, both on the part of 
Allied and German airmen. Fire was also maintained by means of 
balloon and ground observation. We were thankful that we were not 
bothered by day or by night by Boche planes. The gun crews did not 

[74] 



carry on mvich action during the stay at this position, that is, in com- 
parison to the activity of preceding days. 

On the eighteenth of September citations from various sources were 
posted on the bulletin boards and also the facsimile of General Edwards 
request to G. H. Q. for relief. Appended to this was the reply of General 
Pershing that it was impossible to grant such at the present momentous 
time. The feeling for Pershing was not very keen heretofore, but now 
tl e men were very bitter in their opinions of the leader of the A. E. F. 
We were tired, our clothing was in poor shape, and the horses in very 
low condition. In fact we were almost as badly off as when we left the 
lines at Chateau-Thierry. However, there was nothing to do but grin 
and pray that the end of the war was near. In fact, there was a per- 
vading spirit that the end was not far off. Communiques were pub- 
lished stating that Bulgaria had asked for an Armistice, and that Turkey 
was in sad plight. Of course, such news had a tendency to strengthen 
the morale considerably. Moreover, life at Saint Remy was not trying. 
There was the eternal rain and mud, but shelter was unusually good. 
During the day of the 22nd we listened to the low grumbling shells 
passing over our heads to the rear, but as they did not bother us we 
thought very little of them. But two days later we began to pay some 
attention to enemy shells, for they were falling in Saint Remy with 
great gusto. Fortunately we were a few hundred yards from the town. 
The boys sat on the side of a neighboring hill and saw dust, stones and dirt 
fly in the air, then the whistle of the shell and the explosion. Altogether 
it was a first-class exhibition of fireworks. Some humor was afforded 
by the mule-skinners in the town attempting to lead their "cares" out 
of danger. The mules showed greater ease of mind than the very excited 
skinners. 

A memorable expedition left our ranks on the evening of the 26th. 
In this detail were Major MacLeod, who at that time was in command 
of the Battery, Justin Richardson, Dave Parrenteau, "Hubby" Ellis, 
and Irving Morris. The last four enlisted men had been chosen from a 
list of many volunteers. Besides these men from B Battery were details 
from the 102nd Infantry who were to act as patrols. The plan of the 
expedition was as follows: 

A. gun had been captured in the advance a week or more previous. 
It was a Krupp model of 1883 and in excellent working condition. Cap- 
tain Oberland of the Intelligence Department suggested that the gun 
be taken to a position in front of our own furthest outposts and fired 
point blank into the enemy. Of course the plan was attendant with 
many dangers, but it was originated with the idea that by such an act 

[75] 



the strength and morale of the enemy would be learned. The <^un was 
to be drawn into j)osition by four horses in mule harness, to eliminate 
the sound of chains which are used on horse harness. 

As the beginning]; of the plain was reached, orders were issued by 
officers in charge to stick together if an enemy patrol was met, to remain 
absolutely silent, to refrain from smoking. In case of machine gun fire 
to lie flat on the ground until the iirst volley was fired and then to double 
time toward our lines, everybody for himself. The objective was St. 
Hilaire which lay five kilometers in front of our lines. The gun was 
unlimbered in the road and worked by man power into a position behind 
a clump of bushes. The piece was loaded and a long lanyard attached 
ready to fire, when suddenly a Battery of 75's barked a few hundred 
meters in the rear. Disappointment number one. A few minutes later 
a slight noise was heard in front of the gun and a small patrol was sent 
ahead to ascertain what it might be. They reported an enemy outpost 
two hundred meters away and slightly to the left. Disappointment 
number two. Orders were now given to fire and the lanyard was pulled 
but no report. The expedition was declared unsuccessful and orders 
given to withdraw. A sample of the powder was taken back. Major 
MacLeod tried a match to it, when a small town was reached on the 
return, but it would not burn. Headquarters had furnished the party 
with Flash Reducer instead of the absolutely essential powder. The 
last and greatest disappointment. 

The next night the swamp in front of our guns did us a great favor. 
Shell after shell from some German battery fell into it with great reg- 
ularity only to sink into the mud with a kerflop. The ground was not 
hard enough to set the fuses. 

About this time the men became tired of Saint Remy. The days w'ere 
mostly rainy and cold, and nothing was being accomplished. A 
"Foolish" cootie machine made its appearance and the boys took 
advantage of it by procuring new underwear which was sadly needed. 
As usual the steaming process killed the older "coots" but stirred the 
more vicious younger ones to greater activity. Little benefit was re- 
ceived. Advantage was taken also of the huge shell holes in the swamp 
which were filled with water. Some of the daring ones closed their eyes 
and imagined that they were diving into the swimming holes around 
Providence. Of necessity the costumes were a la September Morn. 

We had often wondered why the horse lines were continually being 
shifted. This time they were brought very near the guns of C Battery, 
which by the way, was rather warmly shelled by the Boches. But who 
could understand the whys and wherefores of army life, or rather, 

[76 J 



existence. A little excitement was experienced before advancing the 
echelon. One fine night a squadron of Gothas kept the drivers awake 
by dropping a few uncomfortably close. Another evening a group was 
seated around the dying embers of the kitchen fire trying to absorb some 
heat through their mud-caked "hobs." A Boche was overhead and the 
anti-aircraft were firing to keep him away; and by the way, it alwayg 
appeared that it drew the "birds" closer. The talk was the ordinary, 
who worked the most, the cannoneers or drivers? Why didn't they get 
new cooks? Why was it necessary to groom three times a day? When 

was our Swish — Flip. Everybody ran away from the 

bomb which landed three or four feet away and which was found to be 
nothing but an empty shrapnel case from an anti-aircraft shell. 

The 79th Division passed over the road on Sunday, October 6th, and 
we made preparations to move. The new troops were continually 
asking questions about the amount of fighting in this sector and the 
nearness of the German lines. From their conversation and attitude 
we judged that they had not been in the lines for a very long time. We 
encouraged them as best we could. We were very discouraged and tired 
ourselves, but we were thankful that we were about to leave Saint Remy. 
During the last few days there was considerable artillery action towards 
Verdun which was to our left. The air was charged with rumors of a 
coming armistice and everyone felt that the war would not go through 
the winter. There were the pessimists who maintained that Germany 
was no nearer defeat than she was when the first Americans arrived. 
Such joy killers were not suffered to talk for any length of time. The 
food was fine but it seemed that we had no sooner established supply 
depots and obtained our "eats" regularly than we would be ordered to 
move on, or in Glassford's famous words, "Of^ to another fight." 

One year in foreign service ! On October 9th we were entitled to 
wear our second gold service chevron. None seemed very anxious to 
obtain them and everyone wondered whether we would remain long 
enough in France to wear the third. This same day orders came to move 
and the greater part of the afternoon was taken up in preparation. 
Orders were cancelled in the evening and we remained another day, 
"Pack rolls, and Unpack Rolls " were familiar orders. 

The 30th Division took over a portion of the sector the next day and 
at nine in the evening of the tenth we left St. Mihiel and St. Remy, 
but carried with us the vivid memories of our fourth position in the lines. 

The condition of the horses was pitiful. Orders from Division Head- 
quarters were constantly being read to us of the great necessity of proper 
and careful treatment of our animals. In the Battery there were only 

[77] 



eighty-six horses. All the non-coms including the top sergeant had to 
walk. Strict orders were given that every man carry his ])ack. Some 
of the rolling equipment could not be drawn and consequently had to 
be left behind. The guns were hauled from the valley, in which Saint 
Remy was located, with great difiliculty. Only one piece could be drawn 
u}) the hill at a time. When the top was reached the two or three leading 
pairs were sent back to aid in pulling up the second piece and in this 
fashion the Battery was started on its way to another position. Joe 
Marcotte was driving a pair, one of which w^ould not pull, even with 
severe whipi)ing. Joe with tears in his eyes condemned Trouve, the 
Stable Sergeant, for shooting one of his pair of handsome blacks, simj^ly 
because the horse's nose was running. Joe's pair was his pride. After 
calling out his oj^inions of Jack, Joe pleaded for a cartridge to shoot his 
off horse which siin])ly would not pull. Several times the men had to 
aid the horses by pulling on the draw ropes. The orders to carry the 
]:)acks were not heeded after a few kilometers had been covered. Every- 
one piled them onto some piece of caisson and thought that the condition 
of the horses was not attributable to them. Grumbling as usual was 
much in evidence and no one was sorry when a halt for the day was 
called at Genicourt after six kilometers had been covered. Headquarters 
allowed us to remain a day and a night here and on the evening of 
Columbus Day, October 12, 191 8, we began the march of all marches. 
We left at 5:30 o'clock. Orders to carry packs were again issued, but 
as soon as darkness came on they were again disobeyed. Orders were 
also given forbidding smoking, which were also disregarded. 

When we began this hike we believed that it would be nothing extra- 
ordinary. But we were fooled. One of the Lieutenants who was lead- 
ing, forgot to leave a marker at a certain cross road and we continued 
straight ahead. We had stumbled along our way k)v twelve kilometers 
and arrived in a town which the lieutenant was able to locate on his 
map. He now realized his mistake and the order to do an about face 
was given. As the boys repassed landmarks after landmark they 
readily voiced their opinions of the Lieutenant and in such a tone of 
voice that it could be heard. The men lighted cigarettes and pipes and 
when ordered by ofj&cers to stop they would politely answer, '" Go to 
Hell," and duck behind a piece. The Lieutenant rode back to the 
ofificer in charge and on his way was greeted with \ery uncordial saluta- 
tions. As he made his report to the commander the latter, a wise old- 
timer answered, "Hell — let them smoke." 

Many men droj^jped by the side of the road and sought resting places 
for the night. Those of greater determination and strength plodded on 

[78] 



cursing the efficiency of some American officers, and one Lieutenant in 
particular. Orders were issued again, and this time the drivers were told 
to exchange places with the cannoneers every now and then. The night 
was very dark, not a star was visible, and the road particularly rough. 
The Battery finally reached the point where they should have turned 
after twenty-four kilometers of useless hiking had been completed. We 
reached our destination at seven-thirty the next morning, the Bois de 
Balecourt, which was six kilometers from Verdun. The march of this 
memorable night was of fifty-one kilometers. The men w^ere utterly 
exhausted. Many did not wait for breakfast, but went to sleep, either 
in the woods or in old barracks. 

The first definite news of Germany's petition for an armistice appeared 
this same morning in the Paris edition of the Chicago Tribune. Such 
welcome tidings served in a small way to make the gloom and fatigue of 
this trying hike a little easier to bear. But Columbus Day of 191 8 
occupies a most conspicuous place in our diaries. 



CHATEAU THIERRY. 



We toyed with the Boche up at Soissons, 
Did belter later on, 

When at Seicheprey and Xivray-Marvoisin 
We sent them back on the run. 

Tin Soldiers, some one had called us, 
We were only Volunteers 
In the National Guard from New England, 
We'd developed some in a year. 

For now we were wanted to start them 
Back, towards the Rhine's farther bank, 
And 'twas here that the war weary Frenchmen, 
To the old Twenty-Sixth, gave their thanks. 

For we did what was asked when we started. 
There at the banks of the Marne, 
And drove through Torcy and Sergy, 
Took a short rest at Paris Farm. 

Then on we went through Beauvardes, 
Right on up to Chery, 
'Twas only orders that stopped us 
From driving right through Germany. 

"Regulars " sit up now and notice, 
When a blue Y. D. comes in view, 
"Bon Division " murmurs the Frenchy 
"Chateau-Thierry remembers you." 

[79] 



r"^ -1 




'••^^r^- -t- : f 



,J> 



"Saint Remy. 



[So] 







T TPON being relieved at St. Remy by the artillery of the 30th 
Division, the first thing we asked was, ''Where do we go from 
here?". The rumor squad, headed by Walter Donnelly, made many 
guesses. The best one seemed to give us a rest, — long overdue, — but 
as usual, it was wrong. Not that we cared, so much either, for at least 
there were no "foolish orders" aiming to make "good soldiers" out of us, 
while we were in the lines. Anyway, we had had enough of rest camps. 

When we did move, it was with that pleasing feeling of wondering 
where we were going to stop. On October loth, we pulled from our 
positions at St. Remy to the ravine behind Rupt-en-Woevre, known as 
Genicourt. The position had been a difficult one to pull out of. The 
horses were in terrible condition, and there were not enough of them. 
The second piece suffered a slight mishap, a broken pole. Going up the 
hill from the position, it was necessary to take one section up, using the 
horses from two sections, then go back for the other section. At the 
cross roads the firing Battery had been joined by the Battery Field Train 
and the trip was made to Genicourt without accident. 

We remained at Genicourt two days, doing little, but sleeping and 
trying to entice the commissary department of the 7th Division to sell 
their stock. This was fine, but was soon to be paid for. Early in the 
evening of October twelfth, we left Genicourt. At first, we took it as 
we had taken all hikes, figuring that twenty kilometers w^ould probably 
end it. After a few hours, we began to wonder. We were beginning 
to get tired. Still the column kept moving, except for the short rests 
that came once an hour. Finally, we stopped. We knew we had 
covered about thirty kilometers and we were sure this must be the end. 
We waited about an hour and then, — suddenly the head of the column 



[81] 



went back past us. Soon, we were following;, and then we realized that 
we had lost our way in the dark. 

During the short intervals of rest now, many of the men ch\)i>i)ed in 
the mud to literally "snatch forty winks." Commands to stop smoking 
met with jeers. Towards daylight we found t)urselvcs moving along a 
road with a high citadel off on our right. What place was this ? Then 
some one said, Verdun. 

Verdun ! We bad heard of this town long before we thought of being 
soldiers. We had heard of it, as soon as we struck France. Scarcely a 
French family but seemed to have lost some one there. Most of the 
German prisoners we had seen at Coetquidan had been captured at 
Verdun. As we saw this town, and thought of its history of the men 
who had made good their cry, "On ne passe pas !", our spirits revived. 
What was a hike of one night compared to what they had stood. With 
main' of llu' boys it was only this sjjirit that kept them going. 

About nine o'clock of the morning of the thirteenth found us pulling 
into the woods outside of Balecourt. We had covered fifty-two kilo- 
meters, and it was a tired outfit that 
helped the horses get the pieces up the 
muddy slopes to the woods. As soon 
as the picket line was stretched and the 
horses taken care of, almost every man 
sought a bunk in barracks assigned to 
us. The exceptions were the "choco- 
latehounds" who had heard that their 
favorite "tid-bit" was to be had in 
a town twelve kilometers away. Late 
in the afternoon they returned loaded 
with chocolates, cigarettes, candles; 
in fact, everything needed. The 
"wolves" went to work immediately, 
while the "hounds" slept. 

We remained here for two days. 
In the evening of the fourteenth, we 
moved up about four kilometers, 
parking just otT the road. In the 
distance we could count a lunnber of small towns all in ruins. On the 
night of the sixteenth, the first platoon pulled into position in Ravine 
de Boussiers, near Verdun, relieving the French. The tri]) had been a 
hazardous one. 




^^ 



82 



Due to the good work of the engineers, the roads were in good condition 
and we made good time, until we reached Charney. Here a hVely 
barrage directed at the bridges over the Meuse between Charney and 
Bras, held us up. The men were forced to unhitch and go back about a 
kilometer, to what was left of the position of an old French outfit. The 
horses were picketed and the men sought the shelter of the old dugouts. 
These offered protection from everything except the rats, which infested 
the place and made sleeping impossible. After about four hours the 
shelling eased up and the men and horses returned to the pieces. After 
leaving Charney we crossed the Meuse into Bras. At the main cross 
roads we turned to the left, following this road for about three kilo- 
meters. Then we turned to the right onto a shell torn road that led to 
our new position in Ravine de Boussiers, or Death Valley. The ground 
all around was strewn with dead horses and men. 

The drivers did good work in getting the guns into position. Before 
day break the drivers were covering the road back to the echelon, 
anxious to get ofE the road before it was light enough for German obser- 
vation. 

That night the second platoon followed the first, and another snappy 
night was experienced, the fourth section especially being lucky to get 
away without casualties. 

At the same time the echelon moved back to Bois-de-Ville, where they 
stayed for three days, when they moved to the Caserne Niel at Thier- 
ville. This place had formally been a War College for Field Artillery 
and had received its share of fire. The barracks and stables, however, 
were still in fairly good condition and the men found good quarters, 
where they could be comfortable and fairly clean. 

The echelon, however, knew it was at the front. A twelve-inch Naval 
Gun, which fired from an open track just outside of Thierville, brought 
German answers. The Germans were continually sending shells over 
Caserne Niel into Verdun, and at times dropped shrapnel on the echelon, 
German aviators did some strafeing, killing two men and wrecking a 
truck by the use of hand grenades. This was at the gate of the echelon. 

Every day, however, someone went to a commissary somewhere and 
brought back supplies, which were divided, half to be sent to the front. 
On Hallowe'en eve the boys celebrated. An entertainment was put on 
in one of the barracks, and doughnuts, coffee and apples handed out. It 
was an enjoyable evening and so more followed. The mess served was 
much better than we had been receiving, so that, all in all, the war at the 
echelon wasn't so bad. 

[S3] 



At the position things were anything but pleasant. Hcinie staged a 
party every afternoon at tliree, when he would try to send a whole 
ammunition dump over. Many of tlie men had close calls and some 
were wounded. 

On October 23rd came tlie attack on Houi)py Bois and Bois de Belieu. 
For days then it was merely a continuation of this attack with our 
Artillery supporting the Infantry. The men were suffering from the 
German tire. A number had been wounded, and practically every man 
was gassed, some so badly, they could not speak. But none went to the 
hospital, the only changes being as some were relieved for a few days by 
fresh men from the echelon. On the twenty-fourth, the third section 
piece had been temporarily ])ut out of action, when it was struck by 
fragments from an enemy shell. 

On November 2nd the firing Battery moved forward a short way and 
took up positions at Cote de Paivre, relieving a French battery, which 
had just sulTered rather heavily by having the breach of one of their guns 
blow up, killing the entire crew. The change in some ways was a good 
one. (lood dugouts and gun pits were ready for us. But also, directly 
behind us were some oi the forts that guarded Verdun. The German 
shelled these forts incessantly, and every time a shell dropped short — 
and they were many now — we received the benefit of it. Two men were 
wounded and forced to lea\'e for the hospital and we were being con- 
tinually gassed. The very food seemed to taste of different flavors of 
Germany's worst. 

About that time it was decided that the hea\y artillery was too much 
for horses, and that we had better be motorized. The regiment was 
ordered to send a detail, comprised of a certain number of men from 
every Battery, to motor school. The required number of men were 
picked, many of them from those serving on the gun crews, as it was felt 
that they needed and deserved a rest. 

On November 3rd the men who had been picked from the firing 
Battery prepared to move to the echelon. They were leaving the 
position and had almost reached the main road behind the position, when 
the Germans suddenly started a terrific strafeing. One shell hmded 
between Flint Grinnel and Ray Bertherman. When the smoke cleared 
away Ray Bertherman was down, severley wounded in the leg. A large 
shell fragment had struck behind his right knee, almost taking the leg 
off. l'"lint attempted to stop the flow of blood by applying a tourniquet. 
A stretcher was secured and Ray was taken to a hrst aid station from 
where he was rushed to the hospital. There it was found necessary to 

IS4] 



amputate his leg. Ray really never recovered from the operation, the 
loss of blood having been too much. A few days later, we were informed 
that he was dead. He was buried in the cemetery at Limoges. Ray's 
loss was keenly felt, as he was one of the steadiest and best natured men 
in the Battery. 

At two o'clock in the morning, November nth, we received orders to 
move the gun positions into the open and to lay them well to the right. 
Orders were given for a schedule of fire that would keep the gun crews 
busy until five o'clock in the afternoon. 

Then at nine forty-five that morning we received news that seemed 
too good to be true. An armistice had been agreed upon, and we were 
to stop firing at eleven o'clock. The men went wild. Up until eleven 
o'clock we gave Heinie everything we had. On the last shot every 
member of the firing Battery, all the cooks included, as well as a number 
of officers from G. H. Q., helped to pull the long lanyard which had been 
brought out for the purpose. 

For a moment there was silence, not a gun to be heard anywhere. 
Then the men gave vent to their feelings. We joined the French in 
celebrating. Mess was forgotten. 

Evening saw a wonderful sight. Huge bonfires were made all along 
the line of the front, every loose powder charge— anything we could lay. 
our hands on, going into the fire. Flares were used as fireworks. At * 
the echelon, there were flag raisings, parades, speeches and bonfires. 
It was a wonderful sight. 

The position at the front was held two more days. Then, on Novem- 
ber thirteenth, we pulled out from our last position in the lines and 
marched back to the echelon, where the Battery was reunited. 

On the same day the first men from the Battery received their fur- 
loughs, twelve men leaving for Aix-les-Bains. Truly, the war was over, 
and we made up our mind that we would enjoy the rest of our stay in 
France. But we overlooked the fact that there were drill grounds, 
guard duty and other things in the S. O. S., and that G. H. Q. was 
already making plans to teach us how to be soldiers after our ten months 
in the line. 

Ten months of hiking, shell lugging, firing, privations. Ten months 
of trying to fight like men and meet whatever came, like soldiers. Ten 
months continuous service in the line,— and we knew that the Forty- 
Second Division and the First were the only other American outfits to 
have seen as much. We were proud of our record. Mixed with our 
feeling of pride for the past were bright dreams of the future, and then 
— our air castles were ruined. 

[85] 



Post Armistice. 



"r?INI La Gucre! Sure cnou<^h it was over. No more lugjijing shells. 
No more lines to be run and rcj^aired. No more firing at unholy 
hours — and finished the thousand and one details of a Battery in firing 
position. 

Would we go to the Army of Occupation was the next and most im- 
portant of <|uestions. During the next few days rumor had us posted 
everywhere from a position in the Zone of Occupation to "Home for 
Christmas." — Home for Christmas ! What a welcome sound. Strangely 
enough, we really believed it at first. Most of us had no i^articular 
longing to hike through Germany, and with the scarcity of horses, it 
looked as if we would have to "man handle" the guns. 

However, it was at length decided that we were not to be part of the 
"American movement watch on the Rhine," and on November 13th 
, we hauled the guns from their last jjosition and hiked back to the 
echelon, in Caserne Niel at Thierville. 'J'he men from the position 
arriving at the echelon found the men on (hat detail quite comfortably 
established in old stone barracks with stoves and bunks under cjuite 
agreeable conditions. 

It didn't look so tough until we were shown our sleeping cjuarters for 
the night. Upstairs on a cement floor, not a pane of glass to be had in 
any of the windows, and apparently not heated since Csesar's conquest 
of Gaul. There we slept — or rather lay awake— for it was so cold that 
three men sleeping together with all their clothes and ten or a dozen 
blankets were unable to offset the bitter cliill from the cement floor. 

We were assembled early next morning for our deix\rture from the 
Zone of Advance. All surplus equipment was turned in, wagons and 
all. It now looked as if we must carry packs without a chance to cheat. 
However, on this occasion, we were fortunate enough to have motor 
transport for our packs, and it wasn't with any regret that we loaded 
them on. After an all day hike we arrived after dark at Nubecourt, 
where the men had a delightful job sorting out their equipment by the 
light of a lone lantern. Finally, however, they reached a satisfactory 
agreement and sought sleeping charters. 

[86] 



Assembling on the road the morning of the 15th, waiting for the 
"Forward Ho" that would start another day of hiking — along came old 
"Never be the same." T. P. Hazelhurst, back from the hospital, re- 
splendent in a long overcoat with a court train effect. He certainly 
was accorded a real welcome. 

The night of the 15th found us billeting in Levoncourt after a long 
day on the road. While Levoncourt boasted nothing more than the 
usual piles of wealth? about town, several noteworthy incidents occurred. 

Lieut. O'Connor had been surreptitiously egging on the Grunt editors 
for a publication and here it was that the last and most slashing copy of 
that daring sheet was ])ublished. Posted on a ration wagon at the 
kitchen directly in front of the officers' quarters it was a center of 
interest. 

Close on its heels came disaster. Great gobs of wrath descended on 
the tenth section, some of whose members were known to be chief 
offenders. Bright and early on the i6th came an order: "Sgt. Redfern, 
the detail will report for fatigue — clean stables, and police the town." 
That for our poor old Grunt ! The detail was to be divided up among 
the battery to prevent any further outbreaks of near-Bolshevism; 
and in spite of the fact that the leaders of the Grunt issue offered them- 
selves as sacrifices to save the rest of the personnel of their section, they 
became parts of other sections in very short order. 

On the morning of the lyth the guns were hauled to Tronville to an 
Ordnance park and there left until further orders and on the i8th we 
bade farewell to our poor old, worn out horses — faithful old beasts, may 
their surviving days be of peace and plenty for they, too, are veterans 
of the Great War. 

November 20th found us leaving Levoncourt, foot artillery with a 
vengence, no horses or guns. We were once more in the condition we 
left the States, except, of course, in the matter of various personal 
changes and in a state of almost entire disillusion. Arriving at Nancois- 
le-Petit we were installed in very comfortable billets and the town itself 
was noticeably neat and tidy. 

Here we spent Thanksgiving and although the ration issue for the day 
was "canned willy" and salmon, with hard-tack, we drew on the good 
old Battery Fund (thanks to the folks at home) and had a real dinner. 
In the evening we commandeered an old barracks in the town and staged 
an impromptu, but very snappy, vaudeville show. The show and the 
nine barrels of beer bought in nearby Bar-le-Duc, made a very successful 
Thanksgiving. 

[87] 



Now we began to get a taste of peace-time soldiering, it being decided 
that, inasmuch as the war was over we must learn to be soldiers, and 
drills and hikes became a part of each day's program. After ten days, 



R ■ ■■ ^ 







on November 30th, we packed up and mo\ed to Loisey or "Lousey " as 
"she is spoke." Still in the same area with no apparent reason for 
moving except to move. 

Now we had real cause to curse drills, for the only place the town 
afforded that was large enough for the purpose was at the top of a very 
high hill and this climb became more irksome as the days went by. Sick 
call had a heavy attendance every day. 

Loisey was also inhabited by Brigade Headquarters, our late Colonel 
P. D. Glassford, now a Brigadier General, being in the town at all times. 
Talk about salutes — we even drew one Captain Von Kumer, a Dis- 
ciplinary Officer, whose duty was to go around passing out $5.00 fines 
and ten days in the jug for each unfastened button. Orders were read 
to salute all passing staff cars on suspicion that there might be an officer 
inside, and the boys went around with ever ready hand saluting beer 
wagons, wood carts and all vehicles for fear that they might pass some 
one up and get life. 



On December 20th the cards were once more shuffled and this time we 
were dealt a train ride starting from Ligney and arriving on December 
2ist at La Ferte sous Amance, where we detrained and marched twenty- 
seven kilometers to Vicq (L'Haute Marne). 

Vicq was the scene of our continued 
activity in the Peace-Time Soldier Game. 
Drill and hike. Hike and drill. In- 
spection and muster, not forgetting a 
few full pack hikes so we wouldn't forget 
our equipment. 

In Vicq the "Own your own home" 
movement was speeded up and a large 
percentage of the Battery was housed 
among the good people of the town, 
beds being obtainable at one-half franc 
per day. Every stove and fireplace in 
town was busy each night cooking 
rabbits, steak, sausage and every other 
eatable for sale__!in the town, together with many, many Pommes de 
Terre. We who found homes here were surely sitting on the world. 

December 25th — Christmas day — found us still in Vicq, and although 
we were to have been at home according to Dame Rumor, there was an 
ocean of very deep water between us and the best place of all. The day 
passed quietly, with a vaudeville show in the evening. 

At Vicq our long lost barrack bags came back, but oh, how sadly 
depleted, bereft of nearly everything except dirty clothes — they were 
sorry looking sights. Lean and cadaverous and almost valueless. 

Athletics were fast coming into vogue as a relief from the monotony 
of drill and football, soccer and many games helped to fill out the days. 





Billet— Vicq. 



I89] 



One bri<^]it da}', lu and behold, noisy and liun^ry as ever, in breezed 
Walter Wolf, prisoner in Germany since the battle of Seicheprey, to keep 
us entertained for many days with his tales of prison life in Germany. 

The motor school detachment returned to us at Viccj full of knowledge 
of gasoline vehicles and weird tales of their soft jobs at Le Elanc. They 
also brought final verification and full details of the death of "Dutchy" 
Butts from the effects of gas received in Death Valley. 

The tractor detail which left some weeks before came roaring into 
town one night spouting flames from the exhaust pipes of ten ton tractors 
which were to haul the guns we didn't have. This material had been 
ordered a year previous and this delivery twelve months later showed 
marked efficiency. The inhabitants were most curious and, in fact, we 
were very nearly in the same state of mind. However, after a few days 
they were rattled off to be turned over to another outfit at the Division 
rail head. 

On January 24th, after the many events at Vicq, we pulled out in the 
morning for La Ferte sous Amance, there entraining for the Le Mans 
area, there to be cleansed and purified, de-cootieized and made ready 
for our trip home sometime in the indefinite future. Many stories came 
to our ears of the "Dirty Camp," the Belgian Camp, and the strict con- 
ditions existing in the Le Mans area. We were not greatly enthused 
at the prospect of several weeks stay under such conditions. However, 
we passed Le Mans and found that we were to be billeted in a small town 
in the area instead of in the main camp. 

We detrained at Mayet and after hiking four kilometers to Pont- 
vallain were billeted under somewhat crowded conditions. The entire 
regiment was assigned to this town and there wasn't any too much room 
anywhere. The town, however, proved not too bad from a standpoint 
of comfort and certainly we were not overworked here. 

Sports and athletics were very prominent. Basketball, football 
soccer, and boxing were greatly encouraged even to the Divisional Con- 
tests at Ecomoy, which lasted several days. Prize drill scjuads were 
trained, boxers speeded up, and everyone, who could find an athletic 
excuse, was ducking drill and details. 

Now that we were nearing the final leg of our journey someone in 
G. H. Q. decided that we were ignorant and illiterate and should be 
educated. Classes were to be formed in French, mathematics, English 
and what not, with instructions from the personnel of each outfit. As 
long as the classes were an excuse to duck drill, they were a huge success; 
but when the time off was reduced to the hours necessary for class there 

I 90] 



was a huge falling off in attendance. Finally, with the possible exception 
of the elementary class in English, most of them died a natural death. 

Here also the non-coms received much instruction in the use of rifles, 
with which they were totally unfamiliar heretofore, and were, as a matter 
of fact, willing to remain ignorant. 

One of the chief diversions of this area was chasing the elusive cootie. 
It was the original idea of this area to make us once again clean and 
vermin proof. To this end we were endlessly bathed, our clothes boiled, 
the seams smeared with a sticky substance, traps set, lynching parties 
organized, and finally our grey-backed enemies were exterminated. 
Each week we appeared before the medical officers and had our shirts 
examined for a possible hardy cootie who could survive the extensive 
offensive of the winter of 1919. 

The much delayed furloughs came through in February and the lives 
of the officers, the Top and the Battery Clerk became one of constant 
labor, sorting out, answering a million questions, taking approximately 
the same number of kicks every day and even then everybody didn't 
get a furlough. 

Every corner of France was named by enterprising young men in 
Olive drab for their sojourn of three or fourteen days as the case might 
be. Naturally every man wanted to reach Paris, but Paris was taboo. 
So all planned their trips with the great city as a connecting station where 
they might stop over for a few hours. The stories of these furloughs 
spent in Lyons, Dijon, Nice, Aix-les-Bains, and other places would 
make a book worth reading, particularly if the stories were written 
exactly as they were told. Many of us will have little giggles to ourselves 
as long as we live when we are reminded of our journeys as Permission- 
aires in France. 

Some kilometers outside of Pontvallain lay a large wood reported to 
be infested with wild Boar, and the Regimental Commander set aside a 
day for a grand Boar Hunt by the entire Regiment. Armed with bay- 
onets, clubs, and spears, but no guns, we chased the elusive "saugher" 
all day. The fruit of the hunt was one poor, little, scared rabbit, driven 
into ambush and slaughtered. He should have received "posthumously" 
the Medal of Honor for so gallant a battle — one rabbit against 1,200 
men. True enough boars were seen, but they were too fast on their feet. 
This escapade was the cause of gales of laughter for many days among the 
inhabitants of the town. 

On February 19 the inspection of the Division was held by the Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the American Armies, General Pershing. It rained, 

[91] 



the field was ankle deep in mud, we stood roughly four hours waiting 
for the inspection (or rather, for the General to arrive). Bayonets and 
rifle barrels were rust spotted, clean equipment muddied; then a hasty 
inspection, and a tired and disgruntled outfit hiked back to Pontvallain. 

Meantime the Battery Clerks were kept busy conipleting service 
record data, which was in very bad condition, making all kinds of 
reports, catching up on the many items that had gone behind and been 
neglected during combat days, and finally making passenger lists for the 
homeward journey and really busy for the first time in their L. A. career. 

Finally the great day. On the 28th of March we hiked to Mayet 
there entraining for Brest in American box cars. Oh, the stories they 
told us ! No noise, no jeering the M. P.'s., no hopping on the S. O. S., 
no drinking or they would send us back for life. Further we must have 
full equipment whether for issue or not. Two cans of dubbin, two 
extra shoe laces or we would be detained at Brest. Some of us w^ere 
hardened enough to laugh, but others, fearing such a calamity at the last 
moment, fell for this bunk and packed the works — and at that the 
greasy dubbin came in handy to help burn wet wood at Brest. 

Arriving in Brest at about eleven o'clock at night in a downpour of 
rain, we detrained, wondering if we would sail as we had landed with old 
Jupiter Pluvius on the job as usual. We marched across the road to 
some model mess halls where we feasted our stom.achs on beans and 
prunes, and our eyes on the marvelous efficiency of the Port of De- 
barkation Kitchens. System was the prevalent note here, and after a 
long up hill hike we found more evidence of it at the Camp de Pontanazen. 

We were lodged in comfortable tents with Sibley stoves, and cots with 
springs and real mattresses. Quite livable, in spite of the terrible tales 
of the mud hole at Brest. 

The final inspections were rapidly gone through as well as the last 
touches of red tape on the paper work. In the meantime a great part 
of the outfit was kept busy on detail work, for the greater part of the 
work about the camp was conducted by the troops stopping in the area. 

On the morning of March 31st, we packed up once more and marched 
down to the docks, where we were, after a few of the usual preliminaries, 
checked off, and marched aboard the lighters which were to convey us 
out to the Mongolia, which lay in the harbor. 

Along in the afternoon, up came the anchor, and the shores of France, 
the scene of many experiences for eighteen months, some of them hard, 
and some of them easy, and some of them regrettable, drew slowly 
from our sight. Needless to say, however, we were not at all displeased 

[92] 



to start on the last and final leg of our journey HOME. Even at 
that, it being April ist, there was much pessimistic talk that they might 
be playing us for April Fools, and that we would wake up well on our 
way to Russia, or some other such outlandish destination. 

For ten of the longest days in our existence we sailed the Atlantic, 
spending our time reading books from the Y Library which contained 
many pleasing volumes, playing cards, watching movies, singing, eating 
the fruit provided by the various welfare organizations on board, and 
standing in line at the ship's canteen. 

The night of April 9th found us outside Boston Harbor standing at 
the rail, watching the harbor lights, and expectantly looking toward 
tomorrow, when for the first time in eighteen months we would tread 
home soil. 

Dawn found practically the entire ship load of men crowding the 
decks, the windlasses, hoisting winches, and every other bit of available 
space; and while the rising sun spread the morning glow across the 
harbor, the Mongolia steamed slowly toward the dock. 

Then what commotion. Ferry boats, small steamers, excursion boats, 
sub-chasers, skiffs, all manner of craft crowded the waters through 
which we were moving. Pandemonium reigned supreme. Amid the 
screeching of whistles, cheers from the passing boats, the shouting of 
the men, and the playing of the bands, everything from the banners on 
the various boats, the cheers of the people, and their smiling faces, gave 
forth a welcome to the home hungry men on the Mongolia. Can words 
describe our feelings. Service has found a bit of it in these lines: 

Hunger not of a belly kind, 
That's banished with bacon and beans, 
But the lonely hunger of half-starved men 
For a home, and all that it means. 

Welcome Home ! It was glorious, something we will never forget. 

As one of the sub-chasers passed close by us, we espied the first 
familiar figure. On the pilot house, bent in a posture peculiar to but 
one, his eyes glued to his glasses, stood a man, whose build and carriage 
left no doubt in our minds. Suddenly above the tumult boomed Ben 
Miller's voice, "Agnew, bring me a large piece of pie," and Captain 
Metcalf waved a smiling greeting in response. Beside him was our first 
Captain, now Major Hanley. 

Reaching the dock, which was jammed to the very edge with home 
people who had come to help out the welcome, we were showered with 
every imaginable kind of eatables, cigarettes, fruit, candy, and what not. 
The air fairly rained good things, and many of us received staggering 

[93] 



l)l()\vs from falling packages, wliicli we niiiulcd not in the least. Never 
was a barrage so welcome. 

Some few were allowed to go ashore and \isit around for ten minutes, 
l)ut this ordi'r was soon rescinded, inasnuieh as we prohahK' would have 
been there yet. Soi)n enough we were lined up and marched down the 
long gang i")lank, out through the sheds ])iled high with "canned willy" 
and salmon, at whitli we (at least sonu' of us) surreptiously thumbed 
our noses. Here we were gixi'U great alttiition by the various welfare 
organizations, and fmally loaded on real American trains for our trij) to 
Camp Devens. 

The tri]) to Dexi-ns was a slow one, for the train stopjted at practically 
every station, where we were beseiged by hospitable people who crammed 
us with delicacies like so many sjioiled children. 

Detraining at C'amp Dexens it was t)ur turn to wondi'r at the way of 
Ami)' Camps. Real barracks, with steam heat, hoi and cold showers, 
electric lights, canteens galore, Hostess House, Soldiers' Club, e\en the 
stables were better than our axerage run of billets. We could scarcely 
believe our eyes. 

We were hrst segregated oxernight in a tent camp, on suspicion that 
we might be carrying a few pi'ts in the seams of our shirts. Early the 
next morning we were marched to the cleansing station, where we were 
bathed while our clothes were put thr(Migh \hc machines and brought 
back to us wrinkled beyond recognition. 

Throughout the days that folk)weil the camj) was thronged with 
visitors, our families and friends, who stuffed us on ]Me and cake, and 
home cooked grub, until tin- really good mess serxed at the kitchens xvas 
hardly attended. The Wilfare League sent up many crates of fruit 
xvhich xvi-re duly apprcciatt'd and gixcn propi'r attention. Most of us 
divided our time e(iually betxvri'ii the showi'r baths, eating and xxander- 
ing around the camp. 

Large batches of men were given passes every fexv days, and hox\' they 
did llock home. I'rox'idence looked as if it xvas under military rule. 
The reception conuniltees worked tliemsi'lxes to di'ath lor tear that souk' 
one of us would get 1)X' without haxing shaken hands with the mayor 
and simdry other oflftcials, eating their dinners, and receix ing the theatre 
tickets xvhich tlux' were dispensing. We ln'gan to feel as if xve really 
xvere of some importance, and most of us thri'w ()Ut our chests just a 
little farther and tried our best not to strut too much. 

On .\pril J5th came the great YD parade in Boston. .\ bitter cold 
xvind blew all day, but the croxvds sxvarmed the stands and the streets. 
From a military standjH)int the parade xvas not a rect^rd one, l)Ut as a 

I 94 J 



(Iciiionslralioii il was unsurpassed. New England liiiiicd out thai day 
and Boston was never so crowded, and I he wainilli of llic j^reel-ing was 
worlli the lon^ line of march. 

Directly after the Divisional Keview at Devens, held on April 22, 
1919, large nunihers of our replacements were being sorted out and sent 
to the camps nearest their homes for demobilization, and it was with 
real regret and sincere admiration and friendship that we parted with 
these men from all o\er the country, who had, by their hardihood, 
courage, and loyalty, helped to make history for our outfit. Many of 
them we may never meet again, but deep in our hearts and minds will 
ever be the memory of these our comrades, through thick and thin, who 
wore their YJ) with all < redit and pride, although their homes wvrc 
many miles from New l">ngland. 

The last days were crowded with inspections, turning in of equipment , 
and all the hnal odds and ends of catching up, and on April 2()th, the 
last great day, we drew our Inial pay and discharges and dashed lor 
home and its comforts for ever and ever. 

On May 5th we were once again 
called upon to parade, this time in 

Providence, and again we felt the *' 

keen joy of seeing friendly, wel- 
coming faces lining the streets in the 
final demonstration of welcome to 
their boys. 

This was our last appearance 
as an active military organization. 
Our service was ended and by 
others will be forgotten, but for us, 
Battery B will always exist. The 
days of joys and sorrows, pleasure 
and hardshii)s, which we s])ent 
together will always be real. 
Those comrades whom we with 
aching hearts left over there will 
always be with us. The spirit 
of the old outfit, of "all for one 
and one for all," will never die, and 
because of that it will not be until Taps is blown for the last of us that 
we can ever write the end of Battery B, lo.^rd Field Artillery, 51st 
Brigade, 26th Division. 




Result ol Overindulgence in "O. D. V. 



9.S 




\«^*3i&!(?t**i-j>», 



Showing our Billets at Vicq. 



[q6 








y^<JSS»W» ^( 



icq. 



[97] 




c 



a 



CQ 

c 
a 

c 



[98] 



MARCHING SONG OF THE YANKEE DIVISION. 



(Written to the tune of the Poilu's "La Madelon," by Wihner II. Eicke of C. Battery, 103 
F. A. Eicke was killed while serving with the Battery at Verdun.) 



When Uncle Sam put his finger in the World War, 

Boys from the States answered quickly to his call. 

North, South and East sent enthusiastic troops, 

But New England was first of them all. 

Back there in Yankee Land they trained us, 

Put General Edwards in command, 

Then sent us sailing o'er the ocean, 

Brought us at last to France's strand. 

And now we're here to stay. 

We're here to clear the way, 

We're here to make the people shout and say "Hooray !" 

Chorus. 
Oo-la-la-la here come the fighting Yankees, 
Here are the boys from whom the Kaiser runs. 
See the doughboys marching into battle. 
Hear the crack and the crash of the guns. Boom ! Boom ! 
Onward they go, the Boches cannot hold them, 
Every one knows they're sure to win the day. 
Clear the way, the Yankee Boys are coming, 
Its the old Twenty-Sixth on its way. 

Since we've been here we have fought in many a battle. 

Trenches or field work to us is all the same. 

Starve, thirst or fight if it only wins the day, Boys, 

That's only playing the game. 

Come keep it up, we've got 'em going, 

Show them what Yankee men can do, 

Drive all the Boches o'er the border, 

Edwards will tell us when we're through. 

That's when the Kaiser fell. 

Then we were marching well, 

And then the gang will loose its step and yell like Hell. 

Chorus. 
[99] 



B Battery in Otlicr Days. 



r> BATTERY ol the One Hundred and Third Field Artillery could and 
(lid stand on its own feet. If we indulj^e in a hil of history then, 
it is not for the pur])ose of clainiiii^ that we are the continuation of some 
other famous "outfit." Hut tlu' fact that "way hack in '()i " a Battery 
went forth from Rhode Island called "H Battery — Rhode Island Field 
Artillery" and established an enviable record, gives us a little additional 
pride, as that was our designation when we started, and we always felt 
that we were really still that. 

What they did of course, is a tradition, not for us alone, but for e\ery 
man who ever wears the American uniform. Hut would it be surprising 
to lind that the>' followt'd our outlit with a little sj)ecial interest? In 
the years to come if fate should bring anotlu'r war, would we not follow 
tlu' futures of Battery H, io_:;rd 1'". A., a little more closely than any 
other outlit? C\'rtainl\' we would, and in a certain sense we would feel 
that we belonged to each other. 

And so with Battery H of Civil War days. They, like ourselves, were 
members of the first Battery B of Field Arliller_\- to leave this state to 
tight, and they certainly had their share. 

In the Battle of the Wilderness and that of Gettysburg, the Battery 
was in the xery thick of the lighting. In the latter engagement, one of 
tlu' pieces of the Batterv was struck as it was being loaded and the shot 
wedged in the mouth of tlu' mu/zle st) that the gun could neither be 
tired nor the shot remoxed. The ])iece was ri'inoxt'd with hea\}- losses. 
Today, this gun, "Battery B Ciun," with the shot still in the muzzle is 
on exhibition at the State House. 

Tn the Battle of the Wilderness, B Battery was again in the thick of 
the lighting. The l"ollowing clipping is taken from a copy of the Provi- 
dence Journal , [)rinled at that time: 

"Battery B, commanded by Capt. T. Fred Brown, has been attached 
to the ist l)i\-ision (Barlow's) 2nd .\rmy rori)s, and has been engaged 
se\erely during the recent battle. In tk.e Battle of the Wilderness it 
was not ALL woods, and this batter}- took position m an open space in 



100 



the advance line. The enemy however could no! he induced to leave 
the woods and face the muzzles of our guns, and so fought to the right 
and left of them with a stubbornness never before equalled. At 'J'odd's 
Tavern four guns of Battery B were placed in the front line in woods so 
dense that a road was cut for each gun, and when planted the eye could 
not ])enetrate fifty yards in advance. On the afternoon of May 9, 1864, 
the battery reached the Po River and a section was sent forward to shell 
a wagon train beyond the river. A rebel battery replied, and the rebel 
guiuiers were fatally accurate. Private William Dennis and Private 
Ezra L. Fowles were killed. Dennis was a veteran. His left leg was 
torn off at the thigh by a solid shot. "Somebody take my si)onge 
staff," were the only words he uttered. Fowles was literally pierced in 
two by a shell that [)assed through from side to side. The rebel battery 
limbered to the rear and in an hour lirown was over the Po following 
the Irish Brigade. 

" On the loth Barlow's Division was attacked by a greatly superior 
force and was ordered to recross the IN), iiattery B was sent to take 
position on a high hill overlooking the river to cover the crossing. Two 
narrow pontoon l)ridges lay directly beneath the muzzles of Brown's 
guns, over which the Division must pass. An ()])eii ])lain stretched out 
beyond the river, terminated by a long strij) of woods. Our men fell 
slowly back, and had nearly gained the bank when the exultant rebel 
conlklent of the cai)ture or rout of Barlow's Division, emerged from the 
woods into the plain, in two long lines of battle. The shot and shell 
rained upon them from Brown's guns and large gaps were opened in 
their wavering ranks. Nothing could stand against the shower of shot 
and shell hurled against them, and the discomfitted rebels retreated in 
disorder to the woods. The Division recrossed in safety, and the bridge 
was destroyed. During this time Battery B was subjected to an 
enfilading fire from a battery on its left, to which of course no answer 
could be given. Private Peter Phillips was killed, and four men were 
seriously wounded. On the 12th the battery was stationed all day 
within 500 yards of the rifle pits, where the desperate hand-to-hand 
encounter was carried on till after two o'clock A. M. of the 13th, and its 
solid shot did fearful execution in the woods beyond. A section was at 
once sent to the rille pit itself, and with the muzzles of the guns almost 
touching the face of the enemy, double charges of canister were fired into 
the pit until the su])ply was exhausted. On the 15th it was determined 
to capture two rebel guns that lay abandoned between the lines of 
sharpshooters. All day on the i4lh our efforts to secure them had 

[lOlJ 



proved unavailing. Two men of Battery B, Corporal Josiah McMeekin 
and Private Stephen Collins, volunteered to run out and fasten a rope 
to the guns while a company of Infantry would pull them within our 
lines. Brown placed his guns to the left and suddenly opened a heavy 
rapid fire upon the works that gave cover to the rebel sharpshooters. 
At the same moment the ropes were adjusted and the guns hauled in. 
On the 19th Battery B was severely engaged, but escaped with the loss of 
only one man, owing to friendly cover given by the rebel works in which 
the guns had been placed. 

" The men and horses of the battery are extremely exhausted, the latter 
having been in harness nearly night and day for fifteen days." 

Throughout the war B Battery found itself actively engaged in the 
major operations of the Union Army. We are proud of the record of 
that old outfit and sincerely hope that the survivors of that old outfit 
feel a little pride in what the new B Battery of Rhode Island did in the 

kist war. 



The Welfare Organizations. 



AXT^E had scarcely arrived at Quonset Point, before we were informed 
that the square building across the parade ground was a Y. M. 
C. A. Hut. Here during the days that followed we went to write letters 
and hear concerts in the evening. At Boxford the Y. M. C. A. was also in 
evidence and we took it as a part of our Army life and came to look for it 
wherever we went. After landing in France, and in the days that 
followed, we very naturally kept on the lookout for a Y hut. Sometimes 
we found one and sometimes we didn't. 

It occurs to us that perhaps in dealing with the Y. M. C. A., we have 
all of us been a httle too much influenced by local conditions, rather 
than a general consideration of the vast problem with which it was 
confronted. 

We were chiefly concerned with the fact that " Y" goods cost money, 
which sometimes we didn't have and then it hurt. Then too, often- 
times, due to the fact that the staff was necessarily a large one, the 
"Y" was perhaps handicapped in securing the proper individuals as 

[ 102] 



secretaries. Some of the men in this field of endeavor were fine likeable 
chaps, whose heart was in the work, and who tried their utmost to make 
things pleasant, but there were many others who were sorry failures in 
dealing with red-blooded men. 

Summed up briefly it follows that the "Y" was not nearly as black as 
it has been painted, neither was it as faultless as the " Y" heads would 
have us think. "Y" workers did their best according to their own 
lights, and the rules laid down for them, and what more can we ask. 

The K. of C. came late. It was not until St. Mihiel that we met the 
first secretary of this outfit, and when we did meet him our francs were 
of no use to us, everything that he had was free. Some may not approve 
of giving to men, but at such places as St. Mihiel, Verdun, yes, any 
where in France, a little candy or a cigarette helped a lot, and we appre- 
ciate what the K. of C. did. 

Of the Salvation Army enough cannot be said. Always to be found, 
even at the very front and in the toughest spots, its workers were always 
willing to do what they could for you. The only place in the S. O. S. 
that we found the Salvation Army was at Brest, and that sure is some 
record. 

The Salvation Army was always the soldier's friend, for, broke or 
flush, you were welcome to whatever they had. If you could pay, very 
well, if not, take just the same. It will always hold high place in the 
hearts of the men. 

The American Red Cross. The men in the hospitals know what that 
organization means. Some of us thought that that was all they did — 
look after wounded men. But many of the best things issued us for 
mess while at the front was the result of Red Cross activities. 

Whatever the Red Cross had was divided evenly among the various 
outfits and handed out in the mess line, and most of us never knew where 
it came from. 

But behind all these workers stood our own people — our own fathers 
and mothers and families. What all these organizations did was made 
possible by means of the millions of dollars which the working people of 
America gave. It is to them we really owe our thanks. Families, even 
to those who could ill afford it, gave what they could in order that their 
boy, somewhere "over there," might have some little delicacy. As 
always, the great mass of American people stood behind their fighting 
men and gave, that "their boys" might be as nearly comfortable and 
happy as possible. A tribute to any organization is but a tribute to the 
people at home who gave, and gave, and gave. 

[ 103 ] 



And giving this way was not all. Each section of the country had its 
own local organizations for Soldier Welfare. In Rhode Island the 
Battery Welfare League, The Junior Welfare League, and the Marine 
Corps of Artillery of Rhode Island were the organizations backing our 
particular Regiment. Repeatedly our Mess Fund was replenished by 
contributions from these organizations. All the while we were in France 
we were conscious of their work, and mere words can never express our 
gratitude to the people of Rhode Island who stood so loyally behind us. 

A resume of the Battery A W^elfare League follows: 
"Battery A of Rhode Island." 

WELFARE LEAGUE. 

The Organization was originated in July, 191 7, through the initiative 
of Mrs. Mary Downey, whose son was a member of Battery A, and had 
its first meeting through the courtesy of the Shepard Company in the 
recreation room of the Shepard Company's store, July 24, 1Q17. The 
meetings continued to be held there once a week until it was found that 
the Organization had outgrown its first meeting-place, and since January, 
1918, all meetings as well as most of the varied activities to raise funds 
for the carrying on of the work of the Organization, have been held at 
the Marine Artillery Armory, Benefit street. 

The original object of the Organization was to in\ite those interested 
in the welfare of the "Boys" of Batteries A, B and C of the 103rd Field 
Artillery and the "Boys" of the 104th Ambulance Company to meet 
and formulate plans for adding to the comfort and welfare of those 
"Boys" for the duration of the war, and to do whatever could be done 
to cheer and comfort those left behind. The first President of the 
Organization was Mrs. J. E. Osgood, under whose careful and devoted 
leadership the Organization steadily grew, and its jiurposes began to 
materialize. 

Among the first things accomplished was the purchase and steriliza- 
tion of hospital supplies which were sent to the camp at Quonset Point. 
A quantity of yarn was also bought, and distributed to \-olunteer 
knitters, the knitted articles being sent to the "Boys" as soon us need 
became known. Later, tobacco, chewing-gum, candy and other sweets 
were sent to the camp at Boxford, and eatables and knitted articles to 
those "Boys" who had been ordered to Newport News. 

[ 104 ] 



As soon as it was learned that the units had sailed for France, plans 
were immediately made for the sending of Christmas boxes overseas, and 
on the first of November, 191 7, ten packing cases, filled with 1,200 bags 
containing all sorts of Christmas remembrances were shipped to the 
five units. 

Packages of comforts and necessaries were forwarded to the "Boys" 
until the ban was put upon "Overseas" parcels, and the League began 
to plan ways and means for raising money to increase the Mess Funds 
of the five units. Through the co-operation and faithful work of mem- 
bers and their friends all sorts of entertainments and suppers, ranging 
from card parties on a small scale to bazaars on a large scale, were 
successfully carried through and from the proceeds the League has been 
able to send, between June, 1918 and March, 1919, the sum of $3,650 
to these units, besides generous donations to all war drives, monthly 
contributions of $25 to the Journal Tobacco Fund, and the purchase of 
$500 worth of Liberty Bonds. 

Since the return of the "Boys" to the United States the League has 
tried to learn the names of Rhode Island boys in the various hospitals, 
and where such names have become known, fruit, candy and other com- 
forts have been sent, and as an expression of welcome from the League, 
fruit and chocolate were sent to Camp Devens as the units arrived. 

The League kept abreast of the times by inviting speakers in widely 
different spheres of life to their meetings, all of whom gave instructive 
and impressive addresses. 

It was the League's good fortune to hear from time to time a member 
of the 26th Division, direct from France, bringing personal news from 
the boys overseas and the encouraging message brought by each in 
turn, was a great source of comfort and cheer to the hearers. Among 
the members of the 26th Division bringing such news and messages were: 
Lieutenant Siteman, Corporal Cairns, Sergeant Jeffers, Private Emidy. 

In February the League was honored by a visit from Major-General 
Edwards accompanied by His Excellency Governor Beeckman. Major- 
General Edwards in a thrilling address paid a glowing tribute to the 
men of the 26th Division, and was an inspiration to all who had the good 
fortune to hear him. 

After his address General Edwards dedicated a Y. D. flag that had 
been presented to the Organization, and he and Governor Beeckman 
were made Honorary members of the "Battery A of Rhode Island" 
Welfare League. 

[105] 



Germaine Sylvais 



TN June of 191S a movement was started through the "Stars and 
Stripes," the American soldier's paper, to have different outfits adopt 

destitute French children. 

This idea appealed to Battery 
B and enough money was raised 
on the first pay day to take care 
of one orphan for one year. 

As we had our choice of 
orphans, we elected to adopt 
a light haired girl. As a result 
we were soon receiving letters 
from four year old Germaine 
Silvais, whose father was killed 
in service. Photographs of our 
mascot were also received and 
proved so highly satisfactory 
that a second collection resulted 
in enough to adopt her younger 
brother. 

During the rest of our stay in 
France we took care of our two 
orphans by pay day contribu- 
tions, and when we left France 
we left enough money behind 

to care for them for about two years. The veteran organization 

intends to keep up the work. 




Battery Orphan. 



Lieutenant Mctcalf had just f^iven the Klaxon a whirl. \V\\\ Mixckie pays no atten- 
tion to the alarm. 

"Mackie, why haven't you your gas mask on?" 

"Oh," says Bill in his usual jovial manner, "I just knew you were only joking." 



[106] 



The Viper. A Tale of the Sea. 



/^ NE of the most treacherous and deadly snakes known is the Viper. 
It is small and as far as snakes go harmless-looking, but it has 
a most terrible venom hidden in its poison sacks. However do not be 
misled, this is not to be a discourse on biology but a tale of the sea and 
a sad tale also. When a slim and slick looking craft slipped down the 
ways of a British ship-building yard, somebody possessed with the ability 
of keen prognostication smote the ship with a valuable bottle of cham- 
pagne and cried out, "I dub thee Viper." 

Her home port was Southampton and it w'as in this fair village by the 
sea that we were introduced to the malevolent creature. Oh, but she 
had the lines of a regal lady, but down deep in her heart she had the 
wickedness and inconsideration of a Siren. As in the proverbial tale 
she was the spider and we were the flies. With little knowledge of what 
was in store for us we slipped up the gang-plank and wandered over the 
ship, remarking about her keen lines and rakish appearance. Nature 
was also most unkind to us that night for she flaunted a fair moon in 
the heavens and a smooth sea underfoot. But it must be remembered 
that we w^ere within the harbor and the channel currents outside were 
being whipped into a diabolical fury by the ever-increasing winds from 
the north. We knew nothing about the ungratious sea until we were 
outside of the harbor. 

Slowly slipping through the peaceful waters of the sheltered port we 
bid farewell to Britain and her camps of tea and jam. Goodbye 
Southampton and more power to your emaciated soups. The majority 
of the boys were on deck to enjoy the lure and fascination of a silvery 
moon upon the waters. The others were below decks, yea well below, in 
the very bowels of the boat. They had made their bunks against the sides 
of the walled-in inferno and over their heads on hooks were hung their 
packs and rifles. Under compulsion we renewed our acquaintance with 
the girdles of "Baltic" fame, the cork surcingles or life-preservers. A 
picket fence would have been more comfortable than the floor when one 
had to wear these bracelets. 

After having put a safe distance between us and the land so that a 
jump to terra firma was an impossibility, the furies were let loose to play 
their havoc. The celestial torch was extinguished, black clouds fur- 

[107] 



nished the vestments of mourning, the winds began to howl llu'ir lone- 
Hness in anathemas of hatred, the sea boiled in the maelstrom and we — 
we were in the Channel. Gigantic waves which wholly disregarded the 
peace which our stomachs sought battered the Viper from the starboard, 
])ort, fore, and aft and we were plunged into foaming cross currents each 
of which sought to outdo the other in spiteful vengence. Stinging waves 
of salt water lashed those on deck as the vessel careened from side to 
side. The winds Ijccame icy. Slipping, sliding, rolling over the decks 
the boys grabbed masts, funnels, lines, rails, and anything tenable to 
serve them as anchorage but it was useless to try and remain in one 
place. They looked like Uncle Tom, ducking and dodging the whip of 
Simon Legree. Too often, too often did they retch and belch and hurl 
the semi-digested canned-bill to the denizens of the deep, who chuckled 
and leered at the suffering above. One poor guy, the battery ton- 
sorialist, Elmer "Goosey" by name, lost consciousness and dreamed of 
the Elysian fields of Woonsocket where the surface of Mother Earth was 
content to remain in one place. Poor "Goosey" came to many hours 
later and found himself comfortably nestled in a pile of soft coal in the 
boiler room. How lucky for him that he could not appreciate what the 
malice of the English Channel is. But have we forgotten those down 
below ? 

The odors from a steaming boiler of carrion are as frankincense to 
those which arose from the torrid under decks. Is it possible that boys 
of such good rearing could cast the reeking remains of their gastric con- 
tents so indiscriminately ? Can it be possible that the sons of Provi- 
dence's elite chose the toilets as lounging rooms ? Are such scenes but 
lurid nightmares ? Sad to say the answer to this last question is No. 
Such events actually transpired and they may be attributed to the 
effects of the Viper's venom. If one were to cast his eyes onto the sight 
offered in the room where the under dogs were, he would immediately 
recall to his mind Dante's description of the Sixth Circle of Hell. A pit 
of woe, a caldron of suffering, a dungeon of fetid odors, and a heap of 
human forms, guns, packs, all indistinguishable. Every lurch of the 
Viper brought some hard Springfield onto the livid green face of a sea- 
sick youth, who was too miserable, too dejected to protest against the 
elements. Oh, who was it that said France was only twenty-one miles 
from England ? If we were to speak of the joys of seeing the welcome 
])ort of Le Havre it would detract from the utter misery of this trip, so 
suffice it is to say that these were the doings of a Viper, a tale of the sea. 

H. L. Emidy. 

[ io8 I 



Ran 



eva 



1. 



/^LOSELY embraced by the green hills north of Toul lies the deserted 
monastery of Montpre, which sheltered the drivers and echelon men 
of the Battery while the division held the sector facing Mont Sec. Many 
were the letters home containing the 
beginning words of an old song, 
"I dreamt I dwelled in marble halls," 
for we were living in rather pretentious 
quarters, that is, when viewed from the 
outside. The furnishings inside were 
nothing to brag about, there being 
nothing but cold white stone walls and 
floors well worn by time. 

The building was large and of stone. 
Quartered in the front facing Mont Sec 
and of course entirely segregated, were 
a few families of natives. Surrounding 
the monastery was a massive wall 
which enclosed what were once gardens, 
but now weeds had widely outgrown 
and killed the finer plants and flowers. 
There were numerous pools of clear 
water from the springs of the encircling hills, and one of these basins 
was the swimming pool for certain of the men. 

The men slept for the greater part on cots which had been made and 
left by the French soldiers earlier in the war. A few slept on straw 
mattresses on the floor. The main corridor was the principal dormitory 
and in the rooms which led off were quarters for both men and ofi&cers, 
it being understood of course that they did not occupy the same rooms. 
Situated on the opposite lower floor was the Y. M. C. A., the refuge of 
the "leaders" (please use proper pronunciation) who sought knowledge 
from ancient magazines in preference to the more degrading physical 
pastime of manicuring the feet of horses. Seeing that we ha\'e very 




Sergeant Holland. 



log] 



little interest in the other batteries which were quartered in the same 
building, we will not mention them. 

The cooks, those masters of the epicurean art, held congress and 
plotted the ordeal of food stuilfing in the depths and darkness of the 
basement, where they belonged. It was in this place that the braised 
beef problem was thrashed out and placed before the men as the dish 
de luxe and supreme triumph of our noted chefs. Braised beef ! ! 
What a delicacy ! ! ! Choice bits of tendon and ligaments diluted by 
watery tomato soup, floating an amazingly beautiful and iridescent 
multitude of drops of grease which served to lubricate the passage of the 
gristle through into the stomach. Scientists claim that snakes are able 
to digest the entire bodies of animals by means of powerful ferments in 
the stomach. The reptiles had nothing on us. The most powerful 
boa constrictor would develop dyspepsia if he were to feast on our 
braised beef. Be it so, the cooks did nobly, and we appreciate those 
days, at least Ben Miller does. 

Many were the humorous incidents of life in Rangeval. John Broady, 
pal and bunk mate of Stubby Bourbon, chose to sleep on the wire support 
of his bunk for three months, rather than walk to the picket line and fill 
his mattress with hay. Of course Stubby did his best to rebuke John, but 
big Broady would so excite little Stubby that the latter's tongue abso- 
lutely refused to work. 

Then there were the arguments between Walter Donnelly and the 
same Stubby. Each tried to convince the other that he stuttered, and 
both strongly denied the assertion, yet it took them days and days to 
debate on questions which would be explained by Baltazar and John 
Tufenkjian in ten minutes. 

The tough crowd from Wickford and vicinity had their days also. 
Tully was going to do the Jack Dempsey stunt to some A Battery 
man and Cassidy looked like the Statue of Liberty, with a candle in 
hand, shedding light on the scene of the battle, and acting as Tex 
Rickard managing the bout and telling Tully to square off. The 
same belligerant Tully and his cohort Hopkins staged a football scene 
one night and threw Forrest Wood for a loss, much to the objection of 
"Rubberset." The latter evidenced his dislike of the whole affair by 
biting a piece off Tully's nose. Poor TuU was innocent of the whole 
affair for Hoppy was the man who tackled Forrest. However, Tully 
went out about sixteen times that night looking for the fat K. P. who 
had sunk his incisors in his nose, and vehemently declaring that he would 

[no] 



get him in the morning, but when the day broke he had completely 
forgotten it. 

Chippy Sisson dashed madly in one night with the startling news that 
he had discovered a light signalling to the enemy. But on second sight 
he found it to be the moon rising from the hills. 

Another lad, while under the thumb of Vin Blanc et cetera, had the 
habit of using saddle bags for a most unusual purpose, and Billy King 
one evening protested against the indiscreet treatment of his ec}uipment. 

Life at the monastery had its sorrows as well as joys. The greatest 
sorrow was the attention demanded by the horses. B Battery received 
a commendation from Divisional Headquarters for the immaculate picket 
line — the cleanest line of horses in the entire division. This necessitated 
a great amount of work on the part of the men, who struggled most 
diligently to keep pace wdth the horses which littered the lines at their 
own convenience. 

Incidentally, the Kitchen forces received a commendation at Rangeval 
for the extreme cleanliness of their equipment, and general conditions. 
This was entirely due to Bill Mackie's brand new set of inspection dishes, 
and Steve Knowles most untiring energy with the push broom. Steve's 
unfailing diplomacy in dealing with inspectors is set forth in the following 
conversation. 

Heavy Inspecting Officer — " Sergeant, this kitchen is remarkably clean, 
I do not understand how you keep it so." (Evidently he thought we 
didn't eat). 

Steve — (in a most polite tone): "Oh, that is very easy, sir; you see, 
this is my inspection kitchen; we do our cooking over in the woods." 

When the orders came for the departure from Rangeval, not one was 
sorry, for the place had become monotonous. The Battery moved to a 
town between Rangeval and Toul, called Lagney. This latter town was 
much bigger than Rangeval. The picket line was stretched in an open 
field, and the men quartered in various barns in the town. Lagney lies 
under the shadows of those hills protecting Toul and on the summit is a 
fort. 

Life at Lagney was easier than at Rangeval, nevertheless, at the end 
of June, we were glad to leave the sector altogether, not knowing that we 
were going to more difficult and trying positions. 



At Leugley:- — 

" What-ya-doin ' fatigue for. Shorty?" 

"I'm a Parisite," in Shorty's best form. 



[in] 



Walter Wolf, K. G. 



'"pHE echelon had just been estabh"shc<l at the Monastery at Rangeval. 

No sooner had 1 arrived than I was informed by top kick, Drum- 

mond, that I would spend two or three days at an anti-tank school, because 



of mv ]-)re\'i(Uis machinist training. 



I felt highly elated over the chance 
ofTered me. Transportation came 
in, and without getting a chance 
to eat my supper (a terrible blow) 
1 was off with the rest of the detail. 
After a long and tedious journey 
we arri\ed at the training area, 
which was to prove quite different 
from what I had anticipated. 
Night had fallen, pitch black. At 
irregular and frequent intervals, 
T was startled by flares imme- 
diately in front of us. At this 
point the truck came to a dead 
halt, and we were told to dismount. 
The gang lined uy in single file, 
each one i)utting his right hand on 
the shoulder of the man in front of 
him. Then "forward, ho," came 
in low indistinct tones. The rest 
of the journey was just a bewildering maze, a jutting, drifting comnuuii- 
cation trench, with duck boards here and there; most of them trodden 
deep in the nuul, offering nt) protection whatever from the slime that 
was everywhere. Halting at the whistle and glare of every star shell, 
shuddering at tlu' ping of every machine gun bullet, and the whine of 
every shell, we at last made our way into Seichprey. 

Here was our school, a few yards behind the front line. What an 
antithesis. Our piece de resistance was the thirty-se\en millimetre gun, 




[112] 



commonly known as the one-pounder. A beautiful gun, with wonderful 
possibilities. Tranquility reigned, except when the usual strafing was 
on. The quickly passing days soon brought April twentieth, and we 
got a taste of real trench warfare. 

At 3 A. M., I was awakened by the enemy's barrage, concentrated at 
that time on our front line. We went out and stood to, keeping our 
eyes peeled for signals from the infantry out-posts. As the minutes 
passed the barrage crept forward, and we were rapidly snapped out of it 
by a rain of shells, falling thick and fast and all about us. There was 
nothing to do but take cover, so away we went, but one 77 beat me to it, 
bursting just in front of me, and I found myself with a stinging wrist. 
The barrage lifted again cutting off all retreat. 

In an instant the town of Seichprey was full of enemy infantry. The 
five who were in the abri with me, left hastily to join the doughboys 
and repel the attack. I stayed behind to fill my pockets with hand 
grenades. It took me but a moment, but that moment was fatal for 
when I looked out to see if the coast was clear, I found the front and 
back yards full of scurrying Boches. I dashed right back into that arbi 
and hid behind a thin wooden partition, hoi:)ing the enemy would pass 
me by, but through lack of forethought, I had left the candle in the 
entrance to the dugout still flickering, and they knew damn well that 
some bird was hiding there. Quite nonchalantly a few potato mashers 
came floating in, while I was busy bandaging my wrist. The thin 
partition saved me. All was quiet again. I peeked out, only to find 
the nozzle of a liquid fire gun pointed directly at me. Choosing between 
Scylla and Charybdis, I trotted right out among the boys. 

This gave them great pleasure. One big fellow going through my 
pocket with one hand, clapped me on the back with the other, saying 
"Don't be afraid." One thing they did not get, however, my watch, 
which previous to coming out I had dropped down the neck of my shirt, 
and it now rested in my trousers leg. This watch I still have. The 
search completed, I was marched to the rear. On the way I joined the 
doughboys who had been salvaged in the same melee. 

Finding that many of them had lost their shoes to the attacking forces, 
I walked through all the mud possible to make my own unpresentable. 
Our trip to the rear was featured by the accurate shelling of our own 
guns. The road to Thiaucourt was long and dreary, many of the men 
were severely wounded, and many without shoes. The remainder of the 
day was passed under lock and key in the village church. At nightfall 
we entrained for Conflans, from here I was sent to a hospital in Jarney, 

[113] 



where I si")enl one week, leavin.a; for Germersheim, where my troubles 
began. 

The hospital where 1 was quartered, was a white-washed warehouse, 
with a few small windows in the roof. There was no medical treat- 
ment whatsoever. One either died or got well. I had travelled fifty- 
two kilometers in the course of two weeks. In that time my wrist 
received no treatment. If the wound ran too freely, or the pus began 
to drip, a paper bandage was slapped on, to be changed only when the 
stench became offensive to any medical dew-dabbers who happened to 
come near. It was not until the middle of June, after the lapse of over 
two months that the wound was washed for the first time. The quacks 
had come out of the dope. The next day I received first aid treatment. 
Four men held me by my legs and arms, while another dug into my wrist 
with a pair of wire cutters and after much goughing brought out the 
shell fragment still lodged there. Then nature had her first opportunity 
at reconstruction. 

During this i^eriod of partial convalescence, the food, as might be 
expected, was of the very best ciuality. Soup twice a day, noon and 
night, accompanied with a daily issue of black bread, equivalent to two 
slices of our own bread. It was not long before everybody had dysentery 
and started to waste away. Algerians, French, Italians, Roumanians, 
English, no matter what their nationality, all were affected in the same 
manner. My weight while here went down from one hundred fifty-five 
to one hundred and ten. The foul and fetid smell of decaying human 
flesh was unbearable. I was absolutely overjoyed when I finally left 
this stench for Darmstadt, where I passed two uneventful weeks. The 
Middle of July found me hi Rastatt. I had been here about two weeks, 
when we were at last located by the American Red Cross. Words can 
not express our gratitude for the w^ork they did for us. My wrist had 
not comjiletely healed, so I was not subject to any "arbeit-kommand." 
Being useless here I was soon sent to an American Officers Camp. 

While here, things went along beautifully. There was an amusement 
hall, orchestra, etc., for the enjoyment of the officers, who certainly led a 
mighty soft life. The only tough part of my being here was that I had 
to work. It was ])art of the rules and regulations to rise at six, to be 
dressed at six-fifteen, and to have the bunk read\' for inspection at six- 
thirty. One chilly morning, all responded as usual excei)t a man named 
Lewis and myself. When the ins])ector came in we were still marking 
time underneath the blankets. The little Flun was wild. He tore the 
blankets from Lewis' bunk, and veiled, "Was't deiiie nahme?" The 



114 



young man bravely rcpliecl "Lewis." The inspector made note of it for 
future reference in his fatigue book. Then he came to me sputtering 
the same phrase, "What " I cried, and down it went in the book, "Herr 
What." Let's hoj^e "Herr What" got a good detail. 

We were informed one day that Austria, Turkey and Bulgaria had 
quit, then finally that the armistice had been signed. What rejoicing, 
even l>y our guards. We were informed that in a few days we would 
be set free. Nine and ten days passed, and still we were held here. A 
few officers took the matter into their own hands, watched for an oppor- 
tunity, and made good their escape. Then I became desperate. 

Escape seemed possible. An Aviator, another buck private and 
myself worked together on the details. We picked a dark night, broke 
thrcjugh the lock of our separate enclosure, and made our way into the 
first aid station, which looked out on the road, patrolled at that time 
by four or five sentries. Heavy wire gratings barred exit by the windows, 
still by skillful manipulation, two can openers were made into a pair of 
wire cutters, and pretty shortly we were one step nearer fre-cdom. 
Uefore dashing through the window we stopped a few minutes and 
listened to see if our work had been overheard. Sure enough the 
interior guard had heard something out of the way, and came down to 
investigate. No one moved. There was not a sound save the ste{) of 
the sentry approaching our door. We had hopes that he would pass by, 
but no. He paused for a moment, the key entered the lock, the door 
creaked and the buck private plunged out through the window. I went 
under the bed, and the aviator under the tabic The guard turned the 
switch, but no light. We had shorted it just before he came in. Sus- 
picious as hell, he started to examine the room. As he passed the table 
the Lieutenant dove for the door, slamming it as he went, the guard went 
out after him, but losing ho})e, came back just In time to catch me half 
way out from under the bed. The old duffer being old and nervous, 1 
expected he would land me one on the bean with his rifle. He ilnally 
decided, with much muttering that the i)lace for me was the guard 
house. What an unlucky night was this night of the twenty-first of 
November, my birthday. 

To the guardhouse I went, with my carefully hoarded supi)]ies, all 
taken from me. The rest of the night was very cold and un[)leasant. 
In the morning the American Lieutenant Colonel in charge of the camp, 
came and told me that he would have me out in an hour's time. I never 
saw him again. I had been in there three and one-half days, when word 
came that the camp was to be evacuated. They took me out of the pen, 



11 ■ 



thank (lod for ihat. This was Ihc end of my stay at Villigen's Officers' 
Camp in Baden. 

Our next stop was at Constance, a town half of which is in Germany 
and the other half in Switzerland. We arrived here the day before 
Thankswivin<:; D'ly, 'incl were assigned to certain ([uarters. But we took 
things into our own hands and toured the whole city, deriving great 
benetit and satisfaction therefrom. Money was easily available, for a 
cake of soap in exchangr for delicacies brought at least the value of ten 
marks. Restrictions letting up a bit we had (juite a party that night, 
coming back \ery late. We had a lieutenant with us, who marched us 
back to our cjuarters in the old scjuad formation, getting hell the next 
day for the same. Schnapps, of course, was plentiful. This was 
Thanksgiving Day. 

The following morning at seven A. M., we went by train to Zurich 
where we recei\ed a wonderful welcome. As a result I began to lose my 
idea that it was a disgrace to be a prisoner returning from enemy terri- 
tory. Still farther along we passed through Berne. It was here that 
I saw my first American girl since leaxing home, and I will always 
remember her. After receiving rations, clothing, cigarettes and other 
luxuries, we left for (ienexa. The Swiss Red Cross greeted us here. 
Their welcome was exceptional, for we were the first American prisoners 
returned through Switzerland. 

The scenery during this whole trip was extremely beautiful. The 
train wound its way through deep ra\ines crowned with snowy heights, 
with many foaming cataracts coming down to the glassy lakes. Finally 
Belgard, that historic village of France, hove in sight. 

At Belgard we hit a great Red Cross receiving station, where we found 
sleeping cars waiting for us. In these we were dispatched to AUary. 
Here we were held in (|uarantine for two weeks. Each man when 
physically fit, was gi\en his chance of going home or returning to his 
outfit. Under such circumstances I said nothing about my weak arm, 
for 1 jM-eferred to go home with the gang rather than go home alone as a 
pot)r, forlorn casual. So 1 was sent on to my regiment. 

Then came the great day. Instead o{ finding nnself disgraced for 
having been a i)risoner, all the old men of the battery that were left, 
greeted me with arms wide open. When I learned of some of the 
changes I was given a se\ere jolt, especially as one of the boys who was 
not there to greet me was one of my best Irieiuls. And now I am back 
with the Battery again. 



ii() 



*'The Battery Grunt/ 



' I ^HE specialists had often taken i)ri(le in calling themselves the "brains 
of the Battery." As a matter of fact they were considered by most 
of the boys as being lazy and useless, and sort of vmnecessary anyway. 
One day, however, they vindicated their claim to brains in the eyes of the 
men. 

A mysterious pai^er appeared on a tree at Leugley. It was the tirst 
issue of "The Grunt." Snappy and sarcastic, the men found it highly 
amusing. At iirst, the oi^cers tried to let it die a natural death. They 
noticed it, that was certain. Even Colonel Glassford stopped and gave 
it the once over. But it did not die. Some of the issues were not so 
good. The "Hourly Enquirer" sprang u]) as a rival, but was soon 
forced to unite with the "Grunt." 

Whether this "publication" ever did any good or not is doubtful. It 
did, however, voice the complaints of the men. The very thing the men 
had been thinking was appearing in writing. Some of it was justified. 
Some of it was not. It all could have been explained, but army dis- 
cipline didn't allow officers to explain to men. 

We do think some good was accomplished. The mess certainly 
seemed to improve. It was certain that greater efforts were made to 
give us clean mess-kit water. In other little ways, things seemed better. 

But with each new issue it became more the style to razz the officers. 
Finally, in Levoncourt, one issue was devoted almost wholly to knocking 
the officers. Some of it was well deserved, but most of it was not. As 
a result. Captain Green investigated the matter, found that the paper 
was pubhshed by the specialists, broke the section up for a while, jnitting 
the members on fatigue, and so brought an end to the publication. 

Clippings from some of the "papers" follow: 



II' 



Grunt" Issues: 



Tin: Hourly Inquirer. 



Vol. I, No. I. Leugley — Cote d'Or. August 17, 1918. 



(Gratuitous) 

Inquiries, 

Where are our seven-day furloughs ? 
o'clock Where is our June pay ? 
Where is our July pay ? 
Do we ever REST? 

What hapi)i'ne(l to our 30,000 franc Aless-fund ? 
When will the Supply Dept. come through ? 
Can cooties die ? 

Why doesn't Headquarters start a kitchen ? 
Why do we all want fatigue ? 
Where's the Y. M. C. A. ? 
Where do they get this "double-time" stuff ? 
When is canary seed to be our regular ration ? 
Why pick on US ? 



P. M. How did you like our A. M. Edition ? 

How long, O Lord, how long must we endure such mess? 

How come, how come, this distressing, cold, black bever- 
age ? 

And these unendurabl}- cold steak chunks ? 

Why pass general orders about the price of eggs to US ? 

Do your folks Hooverize as much as we do ? 

Why do you suppose ji'ff winked as he left the mess-line 
for the last time ? 

VIII " Could you in\est a franc if you had one ? 

[iiS] 



IVJ. 

I 


o'clock 


II 


a 


111 


a 


IV 


i i 


V 


a 


VI 


a 


VII 


a 


VIII 


a 


IX 


i( 


X 


ti 


XI 


a 


XII 


a 


Vo. I, 


No. II 


I 


P. M. 


II 


a 


ITT 


i( 


IV 


(I 


V 


a 


VI 


11 


VII 


a 



IX o'clock Is it inconceivable that one can starv^e in the midst of 

plenty ? 

X " Where do you spend your Spare time ? 

XI " Where's "Pole-Prop"? 

XII " Can you truthfully say of all this, "C'est la Guerre" ? 

(Some over-zealous reader took this copy ofT the tree on which it was 
posted, and put it on the OfBcial Bulletin Board. A passing Inspecting 
Officer saw it, and Captain Cary caught Hell.) 



The Daily "Grunt" combined with The Hourly Enquirer. 



Vol. I, No. I. Leugley — Cote d'Or. August i8, 1918. 



Editorial. 

We desire first of all to make public the fact that we were not respon- 
sible for the appearance on the Official Bulletin Board of the last issue 
of The Hourly Enquirer. Said appearance — ^as well as various addenda 
must be laid at the door of some too patriotic member of the Battery. 

The noted effects of our previous efforts have been highly satisfactory, 
that is, discussions have started. But, now we demand Action ! On 
with the dance, — let's have it ! 



Disgruntled Grunts. 

Grunt No. I. Glad to remark upon the improved mess situation. 

Will the good work continue ? 

Grunt No. II. Why not another edition to our much depleted uni- 
form, — "blue blowsers, white trousers, straw 'ats 
and no bloody boots " ? 

Grunt No. III. Sherman said, "War is Hell !" But Rest-Camps 

weren't within his ken. 



Grunt No. IV. Chatillon — why not Dijon ? 

Grunt No. V. Today, a pass — tomorrow, pay ! 

******** 

We have a picket line; 
We have a Captain fine; 
And a commissary Truck, 
With only half a Dime ! 

Battery Butts. 

Why not put the Cow out of its misery ? 

A certain other Battery, last night, turned a quiet Cafe into a howling 
bedlam. " B " Battery take notice, and do not likewise, — even if paid! 
If Provost guards were more polite, their work would be more effective. 
Use and Abuse — The Gentleman knows when to stop. 

(To avoid undeserved criticism, please allow this sheet to remain 
where posted.) 

Special Edition of "The Grunt." 



(Posted on taking position near Ranzieres.) 

When cooks are sick of cooking, let them join the Army ! 
With plenty of water a hundred yards away, why can't we have mess- 
kit water ? 

What happened to the two cases of beans that left the Rear Echelon ? 



The Grunt. 



Vol I, No. lo. In Position Near Ranzieres. Sept. 12, 191S. 



Editorial s. 

Having noticed the many eager faces that approach the Bulletin 
Board, only to turn away disappointed, the Hoard of Editors have 
decided to post one copy of each issue in a Public Place, so that all may 
gaze upon it, ponder and learn Wisdom therefrom. "We must be 
happy !" 

1 120 1 



In the coming issues, desirous of being reported "snappy," we would 
model ourselves on "Vogue " or rather "Vanity Fair " — but lack of space 
prevents. Classicism becoming popular, we must hereafter style our- 
selves "The Diurnal Grunt." 



B 



EE 

ATTERY 

ULL 



In regard to the Tours of France, long hikes at Water Call, it is a 
question whether the beneficent effect of the water hasn't been non- 
plussed by the time we tie in ! 

"Men we're ofT for another Fight !" 

As a bugler, Haigh is a good sign-painter; sure he is ! 
And so, as a wrestler, Rube Chase is a good singer. 

We hear that Sir Charlie Thorndike is a Corporal — "Wow ! See 
what hard-tack did to me !" 

Somebody was wondering whether Krautzmeyer's brother lives around 
here ! 

Let's see men, that first bunch will be back from Aix-les-Bains in a 
day or two, won't they ? They left August twenty-eighth, you know. 
Are you an A No. i Preferred ? If you are, get slicked up, you're due 
to go next. 

Every man who conscientiously feels that he has the Army licked, 
report to us for examination ! 

Due to our rapid expansion, we are in need of another stenographer, 
Red-headed ones need not apply ! 

To come down to this "Hart, Schaffner & Marx " stuff, "Oh, Standish! 
Bring me my Alpaca !" 

To show^ that we are not all "Grunt," here's to a man among men- 
Lieutenant Ramsey. 

At Andre, who left the Muses and went to bed ? Ask the Old Man 
(Captain Cary), he knows. (Chorus: Boola, Boola, as sung by Perkins 
to the tune of "Annie Laurie.") 

[I2l] 



Near Rupt : Five Minerva cookies and a demi-tasse for Ijreakfast ! 
Oh Boy ! This is The Life ! I ! 

Can a Stable Sergeant run a Garage ? If not, good-by, Jack ! 

"Charge this man with a helmet ! And a shirt ! And a gas mask !" 



Levencourt. November 17, igiS. 

Here's Your Old "Grunt " ! 

Five loaves among a hundred men ! Our cooks can't perform the 
miracle of the five loaves and the two fishes. 

Gee ! The beer tasted good at the Echelon ! Ask Demming, he 
knows ! 

Now that the war is over, the Supply Department arrives at the Front 
with its usual pair of shoes. 

Increase in rank in our own Battery is subject to congratulatory 
remarks, but the comparative term of it in a certain other part of the 
Regiment is applied most appropriately. 

Does the Mounted Orderly feed THE sugar to THE HORSES ? 

Hooray ! Jocko stayed half an hour this time I He must have had 
some good dope from somewhere ! 

Princeton is quite famous for her hard-boiled eggs. 

Wanted: A man to muss up "Fast and Wrong." (We've got a 
snappy Ammunition Ofiicer !) 

My word ! It's getting cold, these evenings, Old Top ! We haven't 
seen our Alpaca for some time. Did the doughboys appreciate it too 
much or not ? Never mind, old scout, you stuck with 'em ! 

"The Twenty-Sixth have had their furloughs !" Sure, all four. 
Looking as if Solomon Levi had fitted them out ! 

The atmosphere of decadence left in the Supply Sergeant's Office by its 
last occupant still seems to linger. 

"How would you like a YD on your shirt ?" My word ! Its a 
reality ! 

[ 122] 



It is reported that the Machine-Gunners, under Baron Albee, are 
going through a period of much needed recuperation on the "Heights." 

How soon will the Official supply of Murads be exhausted ? 

A man from "Pershing's Pets," — look him over, boys ! Alas, educa- 
tion is better late than never. 

Some of the High mucky-mucks hiked it this last trip. Does chem- 
istry teach us that cold reacts upon lead so that it loses in weight ? 

Now that we are at Levoncourt for a day or two, let's start right in 
and clean up the town ! 



Notes. 

As a result of this last edition, the whole "Seventh Section" was put 
on fatigue. Policing the town was the main feature. Also the section 
was scattered in among the other sections for "drastic treatment." A 
conference between the two especially responsible and Captain Green 
smoothed things out — explanations being very much in order, as is 
apparent ! Later the section was gathered together again. 



With Pick and Shovel. 



B 



ATTERY B was introduced to serious engineering at Banc de Pierre 
in the Chemin des Dames sector, its first position on the line. No one 
in the Battery had had practical experience in dugout building and the 
only technical experience was that gained by the officers while at Coet- 
quidan. It was cjuickly realized that Banc de Pierre offered just the 
opportunity needed for learning the rudiments of sheltering the personnel 
and that, together with the fact that the great cave, which could have 
easily afforded accommodations for all at the position, was too far away 
from the guns to enable the crews to answer promptly to a hurry call 
in the night, determined a plan of dugout construction. The services 
of a French Sergeant who had had experience in the line of engineering 
were obtained and a detail of men under Sergeant W. A. Grant began 
the work of digging under. 

[123] 



I'luTc were two {y]X'S of (lu[fou(s In use (lurin<j; the war, llic general 
deep (liijfoul, whose roof was meters of virgin soil and the open cut 
shelter for which a fabricated roofmii; was necessary. Because of the 
nature of ihe i)osilion which lay behind a hill with a \'ery steej) slope the 
general deep dugout was chosen as the lyi)e best suited to the conditions. 

An enl ranee at a forty-five degree incliiu' and to be fifteen feet long 
was begun. As a general rule si)ecial rectangular frames are furnished 
l)y supply di'pols for dugouts bul our engineers had to construct their 
own fraiius out of planking sui)plied thcni. As the work i)rogressed the 
frames were set in one after the other, each succeeding frame being 
about eight iiulu's lower than its predecessor. The space between the 
sills w'as planked lirml\- with one-inch boards. When (he living Cjuarters, 
or common gallery was reached tlu're was thirt}' feet of soil overhead, 
making the gallery c|uite safe from anything the Huns could send 
across. 

The work presented many dil'liculties. All dirt dug had to be relayed 
by the shoxi'lful fiom man to man to be finally dejiosited under a net of 
camouilagi' which screened it from aerial obserxation. This precaution 
was ni'Ci'ssar)' bi-cause freshl\- lurnt'd i-arth photographs distinctly and 
is indicatixe of position operations. The limitt'd working space in- 
creased the labor and once a huge boulder, which had to be attacked with 
sledge and drill, a long process and dangerous for it caused the earth to 
tumble down uiu'xpectedly, barred the way. I'he air spaces above the 
frames and on the sides had to be solidly i)acke(l with sandbags so as to 
relieve the concussion of our own guns which otherwise would cause the 
collapse of tlu' whole work. 

Tlu' grand gallery was constructed at right angles to the descending 
gallery undt'r tlu' sanu' working plan, except thai the frames were fitted 
evenly so as to make a fiooring o\er which was laid a layer of planks. 
Here the guncrews slept and li\ed when not occupied with tiring. Double 
deck bunks were built in, whose springs wer(> chicken wire or thick 
boards, yet no one complained of a hard bed. 

The dugouts on this front ne\er had to undergo the lest of enemy 
shell-lire and the ri'al value of the work was in giving the men jiractical 
experieiue in dugout construction which proxetl to be of great assistance 
later on. 

in the Toul sector the Battery occupied two positions known as 
Bryan 1 and Bryan 11, a i^latoon bt'ing at viicU. .\t Bryan 1 dugouts, 
which had bi-i'ii built by the division we reliewd, provided shelter, but 
tin' damage done to the Cierman batti'ries bv our guns soon brought a 



124 



beautiful retaliation, and ihe dugouts proved almost worthless, crumbling 
under the attacks of the heavy shell as does a claph)oard house in the 
path of a cyclone. At their best such shelters have a huge task to with- 
stand the demolishing effect of a 220 mm. shell and the only thing the 
first platoon could do was to keep the dugouts in a state of c(jnstant 
rejmir by using cement and 1 beams, sandbags and broken rock. 

At Bryan II, a position well camouflaged in a wood but where the soil 
was marshy, there were no dugouts. 'J'he battery which held the posi- 
tion before our arrival had its men sleeping on the ground in ele])hant 
iron shacks, taking life easy. After our guns had been iiring a few days 
with effect on the Hun it became fjuite necessary to dig under. iMans 
were laid for hve shelters of the open-cut type, quite different from the 
ones built at Chemin des Dames, and easier of construction. Rec- 
tangular pits ten feet wide, ten feet long and ten feet deep were dug in 
the surface o[ the earth, a flooring oi i)lanks laid and curved corrugated 
iron sections set in j)lace for walls and ro(jf. P^ach iron section had two 
holes near the to]) into which two ])lugs of the corresponding section 
fitted. The interior was ])ro])j)ed by heavy beams and planks and a roof 
of beams sup])orted by soil was set under the iron. The space between 
the curbed iron and the n;of was solidly flacked with earth. Dirt was 
shovelled over the whole to a depth of eighteen inches, over this were 
spread iron "I" beams, then more earth, reinforced cement beams, and 
finally a hard layer of rock and earth. The theory of construction was 
that the velocity of a shell which struck the hard layer and cement beams 
was retarded, giving the fuse added time to act, so that the burst of the 
projectile was caused before it settled deeply enough for effective work. 

The marshy condition of the soil necessitated the installation of pumi)s 
in each dugout. Occasionally the water gained on the ])um])s and in 
one dug(jut i)articularly it has been reported that the men found their 
shoes sailing about and the water oozing between the planks of the lower 
bunks in the morning. 

The I'oul sector was the last attempt at dugout building. (Jn the 
big drive the men slept in their tents near the guns or under whatever 
shelter was handy. At St. Mihiel, wood and elephant iron shacks were 
thrown together for ]jrotection from the weather only, but on the last 
front, Verdun, the ground held was formerly German territory and 
dugouts were available f(jr most of the men. Some of the crews, how- 
ever, had to remain close to the guns and they slept in ])up tents on the 
slope of the hill which screened the positi(;n in Death \'alley fr(jm direct 
observation by the enemy. 

I125] 



Rest Camps a Fallacy. 



"L-T ARK back with me boys to those miquities of war, the Rest Camps. 
In the first place they should have been called Test Camps, of 
patience and endurance. Can you recall them in your mind's eye. 

Slippery, slimy, sticky, stinking seas of mud, floating on their glisten- 
ing bosoms, derelicts of what were once "Rain proof" tents. Those 
breezy, blustery affairs, which should be sheltering (the term is mis- 
leading) tubercular patients, must have been anchored by two ton mud 
hooks, which would have done justice to a modern superdreadnaught 
riding out a sixty mile gale. And do you remember boys some of these 
tents were camouflaged ? What more useless waste of artistic ability; 
why paint these, when they and the atmosphere were one and the same 
thing ? Imagine the Hooverizing of space that was attempted, putting 
ten full-grown Americans in these gross exaggerations of bee hives. 
It would take an expert interior decorator of a "Phillipe Canard Sardine 
tin" years and years to accomplish what these conserving Britishers 
tried at Southampton, and Le Havre. There was a comfortable position 
in these tents, and that was standing up, but we were not Chinese 
coolies or horses, who fortunately can sleep while standing. Of course, 
a dwarf who had backward curvature of the spine, and loss of sursation 
in the hips and shoulders, might have been able to sleep around the center 
pole, pro\'iding he received a hypo of morphine or a gallon of ether vapor. 
Teachers of modern hygiene advocate ventilation in crowded quarters. 
We practiced it, never mind advocating it. The only thing between the 
sleei)ers (another misnomer) and the air was a first-class sieve of some 
cloth material. The hard wooden, not hard wood, floor served as an 
excellent absorber for the water "au-dessous." Had we been rubber 
dolls, we would have been all jake. As it was we were very close to 
nature — veritable Joe Knowles. Then the rain, those torrential down- 
pours, which diluted the mud to the consistency of army coffee, and of 
the same color, — namely black. Skid chains on our feet, would not have 
helped us. What we needed were pontoons. The old familiar guard 
cry at night of "Who goes there," should have been changed to "Who 
swims there." 

[126] 



Oh, delightful places were these rest camps, yea, for alligators or mud 
puppies. Not only were the outside of our miserable hides kept sat- 
urated, but the cooks soaked our insides with beef stew (accent on the 
stew), bean soup, and that delicious demi-tasse. In certain more pro- 
gressive rest camps, such as Southampton, "duck boards" to walk on. 
The term duck board is well chosen. They float, bridges would have 
been more appropriate. So far we have spoken only of conditions of the 
camps. Will you ever forget the REST part of the farce ? Remember 
Leugley. 

Consider the lillies of the field, "they toil not neither do they spin." 
We must have been sun flowers. Foolish " squads right " day in and day 
out. The horses had to be groomed at least forty times daily. One 
would think that we were preparing 'is Majesty the King's 'orses for a 
prance along Rotten Row. The picket lines had to be immaculate. 
The guard had to stand ready with shovel and broom, at the con- 
venience of the horses. They should have issued roller skates to these 
equine chambermaids. Time and back bending would have been 
saved. The only thing lacking was the table cloth on the ground along 
the picket lines. It seemed to the unfortunate guards that the horses 
were either eating a great deal or else they were receiving double rations 
of bran mash instead of oats. Then they had to be watered scores of 
times daily. They should be ashamed to look a river in the face today. 

Standing gun drill was another favorite diversion for the officers. 
They put the drivers through foolish tricks on the guns, and the con- 
noneers grooming from the hock down. Its a good sport hopping 
around a gun ready to fire a salute to the new governor of Rhode Island, 
where a curious crowd gazes in wonder and admiration at the efficiency 
of the gunners, but its our idea of nothing at all to do the same thing 
before one or two French peasants, who are totally unappreciative, and 
who are as familiar with gims as they are with reeking mounds of stable 
debris piled in front of their humble homes. After gun drill, of course, 
inspection was in order. 

" Fold your blankets with the northeast corner toward the Constella- 
tion of the Great Bear. See to it that the fourth rivet in your mess cup 
is in line with the tipless lace of your middle shoe. Sharpen your 
bayonet and clean off the blood of the last combat." These were 
typical orders issued before the all important inspection, on which de- 
pended the fate of the American Army, yea, the entire allied forces. 
Then we had to stand at attention, with a tropical sun beating on our 

f 127 1 



backs, stirring the striped ones into galloping over our anatomies like 
young ga/elles, hut sinking their tusks into a us like famished full- 
grown hip])()]M)lami. if we attempted to scratch ourselves, we were 
rebuked, but relief had to be obtained some way, and the Hne looked 
like a bunch of "shinnny" experts. After the inspecting officer had 
played telescope with our rifles, to see if some ungracious fly had taken 
a subway walk, and hesitated in the middle and walked on, we were 
dismissed, and allowed to suffer eimui for ti\c' minutes before plodding 
our weary way to the mess line, wondering whether it would be braised 
beef, or rice and karo. Then came guard duty, witli protests to the 
Battery Clerk, who was as familiar with the keys of his Corona, which 
spelled our names as he was with the duties and reciuisites of a first-class 
"Lead tail." 

Walking up and down behind the rear ends of the che\au.\, seeking 
and coaxing them to cease their arguments. Why should we interfere 
with their prixate disputes and ([uarrels ? Why were we expected to 
stumble and stagger through the Stygian blackness of the night, trying 
to i)lay bloodhound on tlu' trail of a l)lug who was troubled with in- 
somnia or somnambulism ? The "puir beaslie" knew where he was to 
get his breakfast, he wouldn't wander far. Any way he could always 
l)e found near the stable Sergeant's bunk. Not that he was seeking to 
a\enge himself upon this soldier who wore the insignia of the traflfic cop 
on his arm. although he had griexances enough, but the Sergeant always 
sought the protection of the |)aulin which covered the oats. Now do 
you know wh)- the wanderer was in the \ icinity ? We always wondered 
why guards were placed on the picket lines. I guess after all it was to 
protect the hay and grain, which in reality wi're more valuable than the 
consumers thereof. Or on second thought it might have been to see 
that the slabk' Sergeant was not disturbed in his slumber by wandering 
horses. The cry of kindness to dumb animals is hackney. They should 
be taught to be kind to us. 

Oh, for some auspicious drug which would forext'r blot out of our 
minds the word Rest ("amp, and all the memories it exokes. Of course 
carbolic acid would do it, but then it would also destroy reminiscences 
of Marie, Germaine, pay day, cognac, mail, etc., etc. T^et us demand 
of our next enxoy to the League of Nations that he not only favor the 
abolition of ])oisonous gases and lif|uid fire, but also make the Rest 
Camps past, horrible nightmares, not future possibilities. 

I 128 1 



=^The Old Plugs." 



T^ ROM the first day that we became acquainted with Ginger and Tom. 
and the other brutes at Quonset, until the day that we turned in the 
last Chevau, we alternately cursed and loved them. 

During our days of soldiering in the States, the horses meant little 
to most of us. Our real acquaintance — and we needed an introduction in 
French — began when the horses came at Coetquidan. After a few days 
of loafing, Trouve with a detail of picked men had been summoned to 
the stables by Capt. Hanley, who was acting as purchasing agent for the 
brigade. A number of French remounts had been sent for the Captain 
to pick from. As he accepted a horse, men from the different outfits 
beginning with A Battery of the loist, would take the chevau away, 
after Johnny and his detail had branded them. After about three weeks 
of this, B Battery began to draw horses. In three days we were assigned 
one hundred and forty-five and then no more. We were starting out 
short of horses, for we should have had two hundred and five. 

The drivers now, and especially Trouve, began to realize they were in 
the army. No more ducking calls. The first few weeks were the hardest. 

In the first place after branding the horses the hoof numbers had to 
be taken. Never before had we heard such scientific cussing. The 
fours looked like sevens and Trouve told us all about it. 

Then the nags had to be paired up according to size and color. Later 
they had to be shifted according to the way they pulled together. After 
the "pairing off" the different sections were assigned their proportionate 
number and then the drivers really began their army work. 

Good care must be taken of the horses. The first thing in the morning, 
feed; at night, after a hard day's work — look after the horses; first, 
brush them, water them and feed them. Of course in training camp it 
was more a matter of calls, but here the drivers were imbued with the 
order of "Horses First," an idea which later went a long way in pulling 
the outfit through tough places. 

[ 129] 



Besides learniiifi; to take care of the horses, the drixers learned -or 
attempted to learn, how to handle them. Monkey drill and iodine 
became inseparable. The toughest part of it was that at "come on," 
and "Whoa," they simply cocked an ear and said, "Pas Compris." So 
the drivers took to visiting the cafes at night in order to learn French to 
talk to their nags. 

Of course while all this was going on it was impossible that the horses 
should escape without names. "Haigh" and "Haigh," they went to- 
gether as lead of the garbage wagon. "Red" a fire eater; "The stable 
hound," Bill Bacon's favorite; and others equally fitting. 

As the time approached for leaving Coetquidon we began to wonder 
about loading as some of us still remembered our Davisville ex- 
perience. But all horses were in box cars in less than a half hour in 
spite of the fact that some had to be man handled. After this, loading 
horses meant nothing to us. 

The horses made the trip from Coetquidon to Soissons very well. 
There were many wild tales told by the men, who were assigned to the 
different cars to look after the horses. But none of them really kicked 
or showed a great desire to be reheved. Eight horses and two men, gave 
the men more room, grub and liquor than they could have had in a box 
car with forty men. 

At Soissons we received about a dozen horses — American horses this 
time. Also we began to lose horses — forage poisoning, according to the 
"Vet." This made good business for "Pop" Harwood's detail. The 
only work for the horses was the night trip to the front and this wasn't 
very bad. 

The first real test for the horses came on the hike to Toul. For days 
we followed the road to Toul, averaging twenty-one kilometers a day. 
The horses stood it well especially considering the fact that we were 
short of horses, so each one had to do more than his share. One horse 
absolutely gave in, and Johnny had to shoot him. The rest reached 
Toul, a little thin, but still going strong. 

At Toul the horses were called upon every night to keep ammunition 
and supplies going up to the front. They became as familiar with Dead 
Man's curve as the drivers, and i)erhaps dreaded it more. They had a 
right to, as they couldn't duck. Fi\e horses were lost while standing in 
Mandres. Although the ])icket line at Rangeval was exposed to shell 
fire, nothing happened until the day after we had moved to Lagney. 

[130] 



The biggest test the horses received was during the Chateau-Thierry 
drive. Just before the drive we lost a lot of horses from eating poisoned 
grass. After the drive started the horses "got theirs." Often they 
would have their harness on day and night. Shell fire caused a num- 
ber of losses. 

Grain and water was scarce, and the horses with their numbers re- 
duced, often had to accomplish tremendous tasks. At Beauvardes one 
shell killed six horses, another literally shot Besser's big black "Nemo" 
out of his hand. 

On the fourth of z^ugust we were relieved. At the same time we 
received orders to evacuate all horses with the mange or harness sores. 
This left us exceedingly short, but then we received replacements. 

After a short rest at Leugley we started on our second great offensive 
at St. Mihiel, with only one hundred and twelve horses. Before the 
drive had hardly started we had to evacuate the odd twelve. One 
horse was now doing the work of two. So it went through the days that 
followed, horses were lost by shell fire; were shot because they were 
"all in," or evacuated because of mange, so that when we finally pulled 
out of St. Mihiel and started our great hike we had only eighty-nine 
horses. Men had to carry everything possible and at times get "on the 
wheels." 

Verdun saw more losses from shell fire, gas and mange. On November 
fourteenth, sixty-nine who were too tough to be worn out, pulled the 
battery from Verdun to Levencourt. Here sixty-one were turned over 
to the Army of Occupation probably to be worked to the very end. 
The remaining eight were turned in at Vicq. 

And so we were once more horseless artillery. Tractors were to take 
the place of our old "friends." It sounded good at first — but most of 
us realized that no machine could ever take the place of those faithful 
hard working nags. No reward was theirs. Hard work and harder 
knocks was all they received for the most part, and it was not until after 
they were gone that we realized what we owed and how much we really 
cared for the good old squealing, kicking, fighting "nags" of Battery B. 



[131] 



PERHAPS it was tlie recollection of what ha]ipened to the men who 
went to school with the "anti-tankers" and "ninety-fivers" when we 
were up northwest of Toul, that caused Holland to look dubious when he 
received orders to ])ick a detail to go to motor school; or perhaps it was 
just his usual natural inclination to be fair that caused him to ponder. At 
any rate when he finally made up the list it included such men as Girvan, 
GilTord, Bertherman, and many more hard workers who deserved a rest. 
Immediately some of the "others" started looking for a chance to go — - 
and some met with success. On November ^^rd, the day before it was 
to lea\e, a se\ere strafing from Fritz left vacancies in the detail. .Mso 
at the last minute a few of the chosen were ordered to the hospital as a 
result of the gassing experienced in death valley. A few more sub- 
stitutes of the "others" were chosen and at two o'clock on the after- 
noon of the seventh the detail lined up under Sergeant Howell. 

As Ted viewed his detail he groaned. The orders had been to fall in 
full i)ack with all ecjuipment. "Perkins, Short, Jordan, where are your 
rifles ?" The three good soldiers all denied any knowledge of any such 
useful article — for tra\elling in the S. O. S. Ted could do nothing but 
march the detail away. Seeing this a half-dozen more good soldiers 
immediately lost their soldierly ai)pearance. Outside the echelon the 
detail joined those furnished by the other batteries of the regiment and 
under command of Ca])tain Henderson started for the railway station at 
Verdun. 

At the railway station it was found that the train which was supposed 
to l)e there was not. Of course, we should have exj^ected this. But as 
the hours passed, and we thought of the bo}s at the echelcMi hax'ing a 
"nice mess," some began to doubt their wisdom in joining the detail. 
Had it not been for "Pop" Henderson we would probably have all 
starved to death. He finally found rations for us, and then, like good 



Xo-'J 



soldiers, the detail was happy. About eight o'clock our train arrived 
and we drew third class coaches. 

At first this seemed a luxury — but when we came to sleep — how we 
did wish for our old friends "Hommes 40." Late that night or better 
early the next morning we reached St. Dizier — better known as "Dizzy" 
— where we were marched to a camp — La Tambourine — a rest camp. 
That alone was enough to our ears, but here we found an improvement. 
The powers that be had conceived the idea of cement floors for the 
barracks, but no cots — not even chicken netting. There was nothing 
to do but stretch out on the floor and wonder if the inquisition had any- 
thing on rest camps. In the morning after mess — and what a mess it 
was — the boys thought they had found a redeeming feature to their 
rest camp. It was said that in the French canteen real beer could be 
bought. But before the rumor could be verified the boys were ordered 
to fall in, and were marched over to the train and started on their way 



again. 



During the day stops were made at various stations and each time 
refreshments found a way into the coaches. It was a merry company 
that left the train that night at Vierzon — a little town whose inhabitants 
had never before seen American soldiers — or said they hadn't. "Pop" 
told the boys not to get too heavy a load on as they had to leave the 
next morning. Imagine the result. The first time in many months 
that most of us had really had such freedom. The detail from each 
battery tried to keep the rest of the boys sober by drinking up the wine 
supply first. Girvan and Gifford were put on guard, thereby pro\-ing 
that Howell did not go to college for nothing. 

In the morning many big heads — but none missing — lined up for the 
final lap of the journey. A short ride brought the detail to Le Blanc. 

At first we thought we were in a town too small to notice. All that 
could be seen from the " gare " was one cafe and a few trees. But a short 
hike brought us to the top of a hill from which we could see the town, 
and in that first glimpse there was something about the town we liked. 
Much like every French town it somehow had a more prosperous appear- 
ance than most towns we had seen. When we reached the center of the 
town we saw no less than two hotels, two large cafes, and many smaller 
ones, besides the usual line up of small stores. It must be a good town ! 

We were halted in the square in the center of the town to await the 
pleasure of the officer in charge. While waiting, other soldiers began to 
gather around us. The four hundred and umpty-umps, when they heard 
that magic number "twenty-sixth," showed the proper respect. Also 

[ 133] 



they carelessly showed francs — many of them — and a disposition to buy 
souvenirs from the front. A German button, with a little tale^of cutting 
it off the clothing of some German who had fallen to your rifle, would 
bring many francs. A belt buckle had a fabulous value. What a chance 
of becoming a millionaire ! As it was the boys did pretty well — thank 
you. 

After the usual unnecessary questioning the authorities decided to 
believe "Pop's" statement that we needed something to eat, and we 
were directed to a kitchen. Here, of course, we had to wait until the 
cooks got something ready, and during the wait what was more natural 
than a crap game. The game had been going just long enough to be 
disastrous to the representatives of B Battery when an S. O. S. shave 
tail breezed in, stopped the game, and how he panned us out. Right 
away we saw trouble. In order to keep us out of further mischief the 
usual inspection was held. We were found to have cooties — lousey the 
medic called us. We were permitted to eat — under the watchful eyes 
of officers, then marched to billets and quarantined. 

The afternoon of our first day we were decootized. At this time the 
effects of the gassing which Al. Butts had received at Death Valley 
became too much for him. He reported to the hospital and was im- 
mediately sent to bed. In two days he was in serious condition, and 
few of us, who were permitted to see him, would have known him on 
the third day. The next day we were informed that he was dead. With 
us from the start, Al. had made friends of all by his good nature, and his 
death caused gloom in the entire outfit. Corporal Wilkinson took the 
body to Chateauroux, where it was buried in the American cemetery. 
"Died of disease," it was reported, but Al. died of wounds received in 
battle if any soldier ever did. 

The "cleaning up" orders had worked fine. We were permitted to 
throw away all of our equipment and after a bath to draw new as we 
pleased. Things were looking up. Following this the riot act or some- 
thing was read to us. Its main note was military discipline. It had no 
effect. That evening a number of the boys went to a moving picture 
show. There not being enough present to warrant the showing of the 
pictures, the boys hired the theatre. Then the proprietor tried to give 
us our money's worth and the result was we were all arrested for being 
out after taps and given fatigue — the fatigue consisting of one hour's 
guard, during which time it was perfectly permissible to sleep. 

The next day the detail was divided up and "sent to school " — some to 
learn about tractors, some about niotorcycles, some to mechanics' 

[134] 



school, and the lucky-Rylcy to auto school. School didn't prove so bad. 
Part lectures, and part practice, the lectures were easy to duck, and the 
practice furnished a lot of fun. 

The fourth day of our stay at Lc Blanc l)rought word of the Armistice. 
The Frenchmen seemed to have gone crazy. A celebration was arranged, 
and of course there had to be a parade. As the 103rd had been in 
France longer than any other American soldiers in the town they were 
given "the place of honor," and allowed to ride. After the parade a 
general celebration — in the cafes — followed. All in all it was some time. 
The next day we were back to our regular routine, although excitement 
was still running high, and the different papers from Paris were sold 
almost before they were on sale. 

At night and the "work" over it was customary to find a place at 
which to eat. It being forbidden to buy bread, eggs, or meat in the 
town, the more public places had to be avoided, but nearly everyone 
found some quiet little place where everything could be had. 

This lasted for six weeks, when we "graduated." At the same time 
we were told that we probably would not go back to our own outfits. 
Many prepared to go A. W. O. L. until "Pop" Henderson persuaded 
them to wait awhile. "Pop" was putting up a great fight to get us 
back, and we certainly appreciated it. 

We were transferred to new billets and a new battery^from the details 
of the 103rd F. A., io6th F. A., and 315th F. A., was formed. Lieut. 
Doherty, whom we all knew in Coetquidan was in command, assisted 
by Lieut. Shryoc of the 103rd. A regular army sergeant from the 315th 
was top kick. Jordan was made battery clerk. 

Some of the boys became instructors for new men arriving in town, 
but for the great majority it was a case of drills and details — but here 
again the 103rd won out. Jordan was allowed to pick the men for all 
details. The result was soft details for us, and all the tough ones for 
the io6th and 315th — the men of the 315th getting the toughest of 
course — they being the newest soldiers. Orders were received to send 
men to Camp Hunt, La Courtine, and other places. The 315th was 
sadly depleted, the io6th lost heavily, and only two men went from the 
103rd. Ray seemed to have learned Jocko's job pretty well. 

Things went along in this way for another month. No one worked 
hard through the day, and at night, the "Foyer Soldat" — where you 
could buy chocolate for two cents a glass — and the cafes made it a 
"good war." But we were getting restless and wanted to be back with 

I 135] 



our own outfit. Finally the orders came and one evening we marched 
up the hill to the station to our old friends, the box cars. 

That the 103rd was leaving friends behind was shown l)y the number 
of citizens who turned out to see us leave. One of them, Minnie — who 
had been a great friend to the boys from the start, "presented" us with 
a large bouquet. 

The trip back as far as St. Dizier was made under the command of some 
new "shave tail." He thought it his duty tt) prevent the boys from 
getting refreshments on the way, and "Short," Perkins and others were 
told to consider themselves under arrest. Consideration was as far as it 
went, and the shave tail finally becoming discouraged buried himself in 
his coach and we saw nothing more of him. 

From "Si. Dizzy" on, it was a good trip — no officers to be bothered 
with. We found the battery at Vicq, got settled and, in a few days were 
wishing we were back in Le Blanc. After all it was a good battle we 
fought down there. 



The Toughest Hike of Them All. 



T^IVE o'clock, of a bright October afternoon, as the sun was lowering 
in the West, we pulled out after a day of rest in a meadow near Rupt 
en Woevre, and started for a new destination. 

As per usual we knew absolutely nothing of where we were headed or 
what we would encounter, but if we had known in advance what was in 
store for use, we would scarcely have been happy about it. 

As it was we sloughed along at the usual marching stride, cussing and 
wondering what was coming. Rumors were rife of course, rest being 
the chief among them, but as we came up to a cross-roads about dark 
the decision was final though painful. One road led to the rear and 
REST, the other was marked with the name of a town that will ever 
be remembered when men talk of battles, VERDUN. Thus read the 
signpost and along the road so marked we shufiled along behind the guns. 

As it grew dark, the orders came down from tlic liead of the column, 
"NO SMOKING." More curses and grumbling. " Ht)\v come this 
NO Smoking stuff ? " For a while the orders held good, but as the miles 
rolled by, little gleams showed here and there, the tell tale glow of 

[136] 



cigarettes. Very soon an officer rode down and ordered all cigarettes 
out. This procedure was repeated many times, until finally he rode 
up to the Captain and the following dialogue ensued. 

"Captain Green, sir, those men behind the fourgon won't stop smok- 
ing." 

"Did you tell them to stop, Lieutenant ?" 

"Yes, sir; several times." 

"All right. T' hell with them; let 'em smoke," and that ended it. 

On we went, and on again, and as our weary feet began to tell us that 
the usual number of kilometres had been passed, the grumbling grew 
louder, but still no pause. On again, and as we rose from the rest 
periods, our feet were like lead, and for many steps there would be 
absolutely no feeling in them at all. Great stuff, this hiking game. 

Suddenly as we were in the middle of a ruined town the order came 
down "Halt!" and directly after there was much talk and excited reading 
of maps at the head of the column, then more noisy talk. Busy officers 
dashing up and down and everything balled up for some few minutes. 

The next move came in the shape of an order to right about, and out we 
marched again and back over the same road. While we were not 
exactly sure what had happened, we were beginning to have our sus- 
picions. They were surely well founded, for herein lies out tale of woe. 

It is the usual custom in making a long move, to place men on the 
cross roads in advance of the column to direct them over the proper 
highways, thus preventing any mishaps or wrong moves. But in this 
particular instance on one of the most important highway intersections, 
the officer in charge had neglected to place the usual marker. Net 
result, a battalion of men completely lost, and some extra twenty 
kilometers to walk. Did we enjoy it ? We did not ! ! ! 

Back we went over the road, with a groan for every step, for by this 
time, we were about done up, and on again over the right road, and at 
five o'clock the next morning, after twelve hours of continuous marching, 
covering fifty-one kilometers, we reached our destination, the most 
bedraggled, tired out gang of men that ever stepped. 

As soon as the horses were taken care of we sought rest, which was 
sadly needed and only chow call brought us out. 

Well did we know that "some one had blundered," for hiking an 
ordinary distance is scarcely a pleasure, but hiking an extra twenty 
kilometers is hardly a pastime that would become popular. 

[137] 



Battery Athletics. 



"1X7HEN Battery B first got together one tiling was e\ident, — it was 

a " line hnneh of men," as the top kick put it . Knowledge of this 

made (he nuMi anxious to do something. As the Germans were still far 

away, and we couldn't start a real first class scrap without landing 

in the "cooler," we prepared to "l)eat 
up "all corners in legitimate ways. 

Consequently a baseball team was 
organized as soon as we reached 
Quonset Point. Due to the fact that 
the other team always brought their 
own umpire, and bribed the adjutant 
into putting B Battery on regimental 
guard every time they were scheduled 
to play, we were somewhat handicajiped. 
Still we managed to win four games out 
of six, and so did not feel so bad. Our 
time was coming. 

It came with the transfer of our 
regiment to Boxford. There the manly 
game of rugby was started. One of 
the linest teams possible, fully equipped 
as a result of a Battery collection, 
prepared to meet all comers. Emidy was elected captain, Lieut. Langdon 
agreed to coach the team, and Sergeant Churchill was made manager. 
The team lined uj) with Emidy and Redfernas ends; Howell and Smith, 
tackles; Melarkey and Mason guards; Donelly, centre; Stewart, Chase, 
Tillinghast and Crowe in the backfield, with S. Roberts, Albee, Allen, 
Miller, Wolf and Ryley ready as subs. 

An attractive schedule was arranged but the second battalion pulled 
out, much to ouv (.lisappointment. This broke up the schedule. A 
game, however, was arranged with F Battery who claimed to be good. 
They went down 30-0. They didn't e^•en have a show. Redfern 
showed his utter disregard for the human anatomy when he broke an 
opponent's leg when tackling him. 

Having tasted blood, only one thing would satisfy. We must have 
A Battery's hide. Accordingly a game was arranged for the next 




" Our IVlascol.' 



[138] 



Saturday, but A Battery, after talking over what happened to F, begged 
off, on the ground that they needed more practice. 

Headquarters company and a lieutenant were substituted. The ex- 
cavalry men were rugged. They fought hard, and at the old driving 
game it seemed a toss-up who would win. But the value of brains and a 
college education showed up. Emidy doped up a couple of trick plays, 
told them to Stewart, they worked them— final score, Battery B 14^ 
Headquarters Co., o. 

Loudly now the call rose to "Bring on those A Batteries." A date 
was set but again we were denied. Rumor has it that every man in A 
Battery used to say a prayer every night that something would intervene 
to save them from the impending defeat. Their prayers were answered. 
Before the date of the game we were on our way overseas. 

After arriving in France we had little or no time for athletics except 
of the indoor variety. Jordan seemed to have the upper hand here as 
he could talk faster than anyone else. Poker and crap teams were also 
battling for a thousand— at times. There is still a question as to who 
went broke oftener, A Battery or B. 

The next real opportunity came along in May of '18. The drivers 
at the echelon at Rangeval organized baseball teams and many interesting 
intersectional games were played. 

Just before the start of the Chateau-Thierry drive, the men at the rear 
echelon took part in a regimental track meet. The results were highly 
satisfactory. B Battery won the '' big event," the regimental relay race. 
Marcotte, Devine, Lawson and Stewart turned the trick. Stewart 
was the big star of the meet, winning the 220-yard dash and placing 
third in the 50 and 100. B placed second in the meet. 

At Leugley during our notorious rest period a ball team was organized. 
Lieut. Ramsay, whose enthusiasm led to the formation of the team was 
coach. The line-up was made from the following men: catchers, 
Devine, Bergen, White; pitchers, Gifford, Hurley; infielders, Hodgson,' 
McCaffrey, Boardman, Bebee, Tillinghast, Smith; outfielders, Patterson, 
Perkms, Arnold, Hazelhurst. 

One game resulted. It was one of these moral victories we read about 
but the actual score was A Battery n, B Battery 4. Before we could 
get even, we moved. 

While on our way to St. Mihiel, we parked for a few days along the 
road outside of Souilly. After ordering an inspection. Colonel Glassford 
thought of a track meet. As it was ordered— so it was. B Battery got 
only one place, first in the high jump, Ted Howell clearing the bar at a 
height nearly equal to himself. 

[139] 



No more alhU-lics until after tlu' Armistice. Then with the Germans 
out of the \va)- H Hattery prepared to start in where they k'ft off at 
Boxford. 

Soccer football was enthusiastically taken up by the regiment. B 
Battery had a team which performed brilliantly. It never lost a game, 
which was to be expected when one considered A. Roberts and Craven, 
who had been shouting, "eads hup" and "hover" ever since they were 
kids. Holmes, Plant, Jim Richardson, Patterson, S. Roberts, Cahill, 
C'ra\en, Allen, Hughes, Needham and A. Roberts made U}) the team, 
with UeSisto, White, Boardnian and McCaffrey as subs. The sweetest 
game of all was when " B Battery beat A Battery." The scores of all the 
games were: Battery B t, Battery A o; Battery B 2, Headquarters o; 
Battery B 2, Battery D i ; Battery B o. Battery C o, in game that went 
overtime twenty minutes. 

The game proved so popular that a regimental team was formed. The 
hrst game with the 102nd resulted in a 4-4 tie. A week later the entire 
regiment, led l)y the Colonel marched to the 102nd stamping grounds. 
After sixty exciting minutes the TO_:;rd came away a winner i-o. B 
Battery was represented on the team by Cra\en, S. Roberts and Allen. 

After the regiment moved to \'ic(i battalion teams were formed. A 
Batter)- and H Hattery lining up together lieat the second battalion at 
both soccer and rugby. A regimental rugby team was formed. The 
team was beaten by the loist and it was largely through the work of 
Nick Bergen and Ray Booth that the loist was stopped from running 
up a much larger score. 

At Pontvallain our regimental soccer team continued to wnn and in a 
number of games played throughout the di\ision was never beaten. 
Owing to the fact that one of the batteries of the 103rd became "puffed 
up"' dissension was caused in the ranks of the ri'gimental rugby team. 
Perkins, Slu)rt, and others who could probably have carried the team 
through, (luil in disgust. The result was a thorough beating at the 
hands of the 102nd at Mayet. 

Basketball teams were formed. B's team composed of the following 
men: W. Da\is, Hopkins, Kaufman, Harding, Hazelhurst, Clough, Elmer 
and Mahoney, played seven games, winning five and losing two. Sec- 
tion games were also played but did not seem to create much attention. 

Prize drill squads had been organized in the diflterent batteries. Com- 
petitive drills were held, B's Battery squad defeating everything in our 
own regiment tirst, then cleaning up the loist and 102nd Artillery teams. 
At Ecomoy a team from the infantry barely nosed them out for divisional 
championship. The Battery was \ery proud of its representatives. 

[ 140] 



While all this was goin^ on l)().\ing had been encouraged. Prac- 
tically every man with any ability was going around with marks on his 
face. Boxing bouts were held at Mayet and Ecomoy. Ray Cook, 
S. Roberts and Kaufman won many bouts. "Young Kloby" of the 
102nd defeated Lajoie of our own regiment for the divisional cham])ion- 
ship in a tight that will long be remembered. 

Orders to leave for Brest put an end to our athletic endeavors, but 
looking it all over, we'll say Battery B was there! 



Those Medics! 



4 ( P AINT it with iodine and mark him duty," or " Give him C. C. i)ills 
and mark him duty." How often these two phrases have sounded 
in the ears of some healthy young gent from B Battery who had managed 
to duck calls until sick call and then fell in hoi)ing to get light duty. 

And how the "docs" could pick them out. Sometimes one of the 
boys who had never had a sick clay in his life could fool "Doc Hascall 
or one of his sergeants into giving a light duly or "(|uarters" sentence, 
but not very often. A strong dose of salts, etc., often helped a man to 
decide he wouldn't answer sick call again and made him seek some other 
way of beating drill. 

So of course "iodine, C. C. pills and duty," made the mention of the 
sanitary detachment bring forth rather sarcastic but generally rather 
"enlightening" remarks. Besides that, there was the "Fall in for — 
inspection" call, and the "doc" looked us over. What nuisances, and 
then too — well perhaps that is enough. 

But on the other hand we never lost a bit of time in heading for the 
sanitary detachment if we were really sick. We might "ride" them 
at times, but when things felt topsy turvy we knew they were the men 
who could straighten us out. They looked after our health and cer- 
tainly any man in the outfit will admit they did it well. 

And besides this there was their work at the front: At Verdun, at 
the "ninety-fives," at Chateau-Thierry, and many other places, the 
medics showed that they were game. Certainly this book would not 
seem complete without some mention of Captain Hascall or of Guindon, 
Frarry, Barnard, etc., for in reality they seemed a part of the Battery — 
and we certainly wouldn't want them to think that we had forgotten 
our old friends who handed out "C. C. pills and Iodine." 

[141] 



Reminiscenses. 



IV/r ANY people thought that a soldier's life in France was made up of 
worry and fighting. As a matter of fact when not actually engaged 
we often found life extremely interesting, and even in beating the Germans 
many rather humorous incidents happened. Those listed below are 
absolutely vouched for. 

The Model Kitchen. 

Located in a sort of Hawaiian Bungalow with its whitewashed walls 
was the celebrated Model Kitchen at Rangeval. Here, each morning 



WHAT TO REMEMBER * 



That Q^uarte-TTe 



Those Inspectioms '? 




Oh' 
How We 

Used 

"To Look 

FoRwARO 
To 



l)right and early (about io:,^o) our kiniinous Mess Sergeant wielded the 
push broom around the courtyard with the ease and grace of an Exchange 
Place white wing. 

As the only passage from the stables to the blacksmith shop lead 
through the kitchen, the work of the Sergeant with said broom was sadly 
but greatly increased. Many a cheval was cursed as he made a flying 
trip through the yard ''on the receiving end" of an ever ready "pomme 
de terre" thrown with the accuracy of a Walter Johnson. 



[ 14^ 



One morning our Lieutenant, with his "Varsity 55" appearance (he 
would have made the heart of any dashing debutante beat double time) 
came rushing out to the kitchen with his golden locks giving off the 
aroma of brilliantine. In a thunderous and gruff voice he said "Ser- 
geant Knowles, the Divisional Inspector will be here in an hour." 

The Sergeant made a few unkind remarks about Inspectors, which if 
heard would have given him a nice "stone mansion somewhere out 
West," for at least twenty years. Then he grabbed the broom and 
started to work. Everyone hustled like beavers and put the kitchen in 
fine order, but oh — the utensils — horrible. We were ruined! 

But no! there was the brand new kitchen equipment which lay dor- 
mant in the bottom of a powder box in the secluded corner of the mon- 
astery. With hands and arms loaded down with dirty meat saws, 
cleavers, etc., we rushed to the monastery and made the exchange which 
later brought us fame. 

Now all was complete, and sitting calmly under the reeds of our 
"bungalow" we waited with joyful anticipation the arrival of said 
Inspector. He came — he saw, we conquered! Ever afterwards ours 
was the "Model Kitchen of the Division." 

"Motto." You can fool some of the inspectors some of the time, you 
can fool most of the inspectors most of the time, but if you have a Mess 
Sergeant like "Steve," you can fool all of the inspectors all of the time. 

"Who was defeated this time." Bryan II. 

Word was one day received that Colonel Smith was coming around 
for inspection of the Battery position, meaning that all guns, etc., must 
be cleaned and polished. Lt. Metcalf made a very pretty little speech 
urging the men to prepare. 

Just before this, two orderlies had spent much time in washing the 
above mentioned officer's underwear, and he with the vision of clean 
clothes, took a bath. 

Meanwhile, the men went to work on the guns, etc. Polish and 
clothes were needed to put everything in first-class condition. The 
only cloth available was a suit of underwear hanging clean and dry on 
the barbed wire. It was immediately commandeered, and the guns 
were cleaned in the most approved manner. Then the men turned 
their attention to their personal appearance. Polish was needed, and 
on a table lay a nice large box of ox-blood, prized very highly by a 

[143] 



certain gentleman wliosr hoots required a great deal of polish to cover 
their surface. I h' lost in's yirize, but the men wcrt' prcpari'd for in- 
s])ectioii. 

The ollKer Imished his hath. " Agnew hring me my clean underwear." 
Agnew (\'n\ his hi'st, hut returned emjjty handed. "It's gone, sir." 
"What," shouted the Lieutenant, "Gone? Gone? I'll see to that." 
Time howcxiT was \aUiahk" and otlu-r mulerwear had to be donned. 

"Oh, Agnew — polish up those hoots.' Again a rei)ort of missing 
e(iuii)ment from tlu' bewildered and scared orderly. "What, my new 
box of ])olish?" And a hunt took place which was interrupted by the 
lns])ecling OlTicer. 

The inspection was held and the men highly complimented both on 
tile ai)pearance of the guns, and their personal appearance, and the 
Colonel departed. 

Imagine the rest for yourself, Lieutenant Metcalf had been i)utting 
two and two togi'tiier during the ins])ection, and arri\ing at four as the 
answer, excn Sergeant Aylesworth receixed fatigue duty as a result. 

What wt' were doing or were going to do had, of course, to be cam- 
oullaged from German spies. Here's one sample of the way it was done. 

FoOLINCi TllK Gl'.KMANS. 

The ciuiain rises on a scene in the telephone dugout at Bryan I. The 
time is about 10:583/2 P. M. Seated at the hoard is an operator more 
than m'ne-sixteenths asleep. The board buzzes and the "op" comes 
to the ])Osition known as action front, shoves in a plug and the folUnving 
con\erstion takes place: 

Oj^erator — "Bryan I operator, sir." 

Voice at Lundy's Lane (believed to be Lt. McCormick) "Give me 
llanley." 

Oi^erator then plugs Mr. Mac through and listens to the following 
line of junk. 

Mac — "Hello, Hanley. This is Mac. Are you getting any perfume^ 
over your way? " 

llanley — "Yes; liailey just came in and took off his l)oots." 
Mac— "Is it pretty heavy?" 

'Perfume — Gas. 

[ 144] 



Hanley — "Fairly — not bad on the nose but terrible on the eyes." 

Mac — "You'll be wild wooly and full of fleas^ soon." 

Hanley — "Good Lord, is there no rest for the weary? The coots are 
defeating me now. I was down sitting on Aff's bunk this afternoon and 
they're fair running off with me." 

Mac — "Let me know if you get rid of those fleas OK." 

Hanley — "Sure, good night. Oh, by the way Mac, what's all this 
talk about Metcalf going to Iv " 

Mac — "Fact Hanley, they need him." 

Hanley and Operator, in chorus — "Good; we don't." 

Mac — "Yes; Smith got out an order on it tcniight." 

Hanley — "Good for him; its the only favor he ever did this Jiattery." 

Mac — "Here's a party^ for you Hanley." 

Hanley — "Bailey get out your pencil." 

Mac— "Ready?" 

Hanley— "Shoot." 

Mac — "At H hour and () minutes put lo beggars factotum''' on 6634." 

Hanley — "Can't be done. My horses'^ are out in the grass not in a 
stable."-^ 

Mac — "Well, try one horse over this course then, starting him at the 
same time. I'ut him over the 6679* course and load him with 50 bipeds 
falsetto'' and give him an hour to do it in." 

Hanley — "Here's something ior you, Mac. About 100 wild women^ 
just came into my house and drank u|) a lot of grape juice.''" 

Mac — "You won't be thirsty for a while then. Keep cool and let me 
know if you need any dogs'", (iood night." 

Hanley — All right. Good night." 



'Wild and wooly and full of floas — The fourgon witli rations. 

^Party — Order to fire. 

'Beggars-factotum — F. A. Shells — L. R. Fuse. 

<Horse — Piece. 

'Horses out in grass and not in stable— Guns not in position to fire. 

♦Numbers such as 6679, etc., signify German positions, or any point of fire. 

'Bipeds-falsetto— F. A. Shells— S. R. Fuse. 

'Wild Women — German shells. 

•Grape juice — Incoming Gas. 

"•Dog — Ambulance. 



[145] 



The Raid on Bryan I. 

(Here's the only time \ve thuuj^ht we needed our bayonets.) 

Scene: — Second Section dugout, Bryan I. 

Time:— About dusk. 

Most of the Section Gun Crew sitting around ])oard playing poker. 
The night is dark and stormy. 

"Hubby" Ellis has gone to Mandres for a supply of cigarettes, choco- 
late, canned fruit and condensed milk. After having been gone about 
an hour he returned very much out of breath. He came back to the 
position by way of Dead Man's Curve, a rather hazardous trip, and had 
been unfortunate enough to try it just about the time that Heinie had 
taken it into his head to give the curve a little attention and drop a few 
over. "Hubby" swore that they chased him all the way around the 
curve. 

After recovering his breath he sat in the game with the rest of the 
crew. Everything was going along nicely when suddenly a number of 
sharp reports made very man sit up and hold his breath, then more 
reports, sounding very much like hand grenades. That was enough, 
some one shouted, "The Germans are over, they're raiding the ist 
section." Someone else shouted, "Put out those lights," and out they 
went. Every man grabbed his rifle and started for the door trying to 
fix bayonets on the way out, resulting in one man having a bayonet 
mixed up with his pants. Outside, and we all started toward the ist 
Section, then we heard the reports again, and discovered the cause of the 
"raid." 

A battery of 75's had taken up a position in the woods in our rear and 
this was the first time they had fired and the peculier crack they gave 
when firing sounded to us like a hand grenade exploding. 

We returned to the dugout calling oursehes all manner of names. 
" Highpockets " Harding, stuck his head out of the powder abri, where 
he was on guard and wanted to know "what in Hell was the matter," 
claiming that he was afraid to stick his head out for fear he would catch 
a bayonet where he didn't want it. The rest of us went back to^^the 
game, hoping that the rest of the outfit wouldn't hear about it. 



[146] 



This Happened on the Range at Coetquidan. 

It was the first occasion on which we had worn helmets, and a certain 
cannoneer was entertaining his friends between shots. Part of the 
program consisted of throwing rocks in the air and letting them bound 
off his head. Wearing the iron hat at the time, he did not suffer at all. 

A call to the gun, and then another rest, and the same young man 
continued his performance. This time he tossed into the air a good 
sized "dornick." It came down on his head with a crash that jarred 
him to the soles of his feet, for this time he had neglected to put on the 
Carnegie Derby. 

This is vouched for by Charlie Gardiner. 

In the Monastery at Rangeval. 

Lt. Garrett and Melvin had been out celebrating and were returning 
feeling pretty well. As they entered the monastery Garrett put his 
arm around Melvin and whispered solemnly. 

"Sh-sh, Melvin, don't wake up the men." 

And Melvin came back. 

"Sh-sh-sh, Jawn. Don't wake up the soldiers." 



Things that never happen: — 

Ormiston's Fifty Franc Note — at Bucy-le-Long. 

Stewart — On the Park Wagon — one wheel gone at Mandres. 

Havard — (shouting down dugout to Lt. Stark) — "Hey Lieutenant 
how many mens you got down there?" 

Stark— "Five." 

Havard — "Well send up half of them will you?" 



[147] 



officers' Statements. 



To Batlfiy />, }(\vd I'icld Artillery: 

On the c\e of Uk' IkiIUc of Xivray-Marxoisin, I reporled to ihc placid 
villa.^o of Boucc[ and was assigned to the command of the 103rd Field 
Artillery. 1 was then a Lieutenant-Colonel. See what the 103d 
Field Artillery has done for me. 

The stirring days thai followed are all recorded in this little book. We 
shall re-li\(.' a thousand times in mi'inory that lirst great otYensive 
against the (lermans, where for sexenteen tla>s our big guns thundered 
continuously against the retreating enemy, and ad\ancing each day we 
more than kejit ])ace with our infantry. 

Through this and other cam])aigns the aggressi\eness, steadfastness, 
and valor of the nun of the 103rd ha\e indelibly engraved the fame of 
this regiment in tin- history of the World's Greatest War. 

(Signed) Pkuiam I). Glassford. 

Brif^adicr (inicral, Comniandhig ^rst Bri(^adc F. A. 



At Banc de Pierre, Fel)ruary, ujiS, at 2:45 o'clock, sudden call for 
emergency liri' on l-'ox Salient to smash enemy attack. H Battery lirst 
to lire with a speed and accuracy in delivery of " obus alk)ngee " at enemy 
concentration ])oints and machine gun nests that brought an official 
expression of appreciation from General Connnanding 22nd Division 
Infantry (French; for "your efficacious intervention in the affair of 
the 19th." 

April 20th, I'liemy concentration at and in tlu' \icinity of Lehayville 
to follow up Seicheprey attack. Hryan II placi's lu'r little q8 pound 
darlings in the \ illage square and on road and trenches leading out to the 
northeast. Obserxers reported town smashed, trenches bashed in, and 
Boche blown tweKe feet in air. Another report was sixty per cent 
German casualties. Fnemy attack not made. 

Before Courpeil in July, enemy battery shooting up our infantry lines, 
woods and town with deadly eft"ect when its location was given by air- 
plane. Volleys from B Battery and its ancient rival Battery A at 
German position, and slu' never oi)ened again. 

These are thnx' from a long list of efru'ienl Sl•r\■il■e^ on the lield of 
battle. Tlu' knowledge that sixty seconds oi your work at an}- time, 

[14S] 





Brig. -Gen. Pelham D. Glassford. 



Major Hascall. 





Lieut. -Col. E. S. Chaffee. 



Father Farrell. 



149 1 



in meeting such emergencies was so vitally important to the country, 
must repay for great sacrifices and unending devotion which you gave 
to make Battery B. 

(Signed) E. S. Chaffee. 

Formerly Lieut. Col., lojrd F. A. 



To the boys of my outfit: 

It is only natural that I should feel that B Battery was particularly 
my own, and I feel proud of the fact that I was the first commander of 
that outfit. 

Through the training days you made my job easier by putting your 
hearts and souls into the work, and your performances through the 
trying days at Bryan I and at Chateau-Thierry were more than gratifying 
to the officers. 

I could not at the time express my sorrow at leaving the old outfit at 
the end of the Chateau-Thierry scrap, but I always watched with pride 
the doings of my boys. 

Gerald T. Hanley. 
Captain, Battery B, 103rd F. A. 



To the Boys of Battery B: 

As I start to write you a word of greeting the Mongolia is steaming 
westward, bringing you, my old comrades, back home; and it is with 
the greatest impatience that I am waiting to greet you, when you enter 
Boston harbor. 

In reminiscencing of the old days, my thoughts are sometimes humor- 
ous, sometimes sad. It was my great good fortune to serve with you for 
eight months, and I was very happy and content while acting as Battery 
Commander. Later when as observer I watched your firing, I could 
not be blamed for being carried away by the work of my boys, and several 
high officials who at first went nearly crazy at my reports, soon learned 
that "my boys" meant the boys of Battery B. 

In the joy of your home coming I feel deep sorrow in realizing that 
such men as Harmon, Black, Coats, and others will not be with us in 
our reunions. The memory of the brave boys who made the supreme 
sacrifice for their country will always thrill me, and I shall lift my head 
higher, because of the pride I feel in having served with the splendid 
men and ofhcers who made "up my old outfit." 

Duncan Langdon. 

1st Lieut., Battery B, 103rd F. A. 

[150I 





Capt. Carey 



Lieutenant Grant. 





Lieut. Duncan Langdon. 



Lieutenant Deuel. 



[151] 



T.inil. Wheal's Sld/cniciil: 

My regards lo all llu' men of liadery B. T cotiainly wanted lo he in 
Providence when you all c:\\ur hatk, 1 hough no more than 1 had wanted 
to l)e with \-ou on tlie Marni' and in the Argonne all last smnnuT and fall. 
I'w always l)een a\vfull\- proud of ha\ ing \)vvu with BalLei}' Ji and wish 
you all the best of luik in the woild. 

RkN\11,1.I'. WllKAT. 
Jiid Lieut., liatlcry />', lo^rd !•'. A. 



To Ihc Mil! of Hallcry l\ lovd /''■ ^1. 

I am certainly glad to ha\t' the o]')iiort unity to set down in hiack and 
while tlie extri-me pleasuri' and pridi' I had in serving with you men in 
\\hal has so apll\- been called the "retcnl unpleasantness." Y\t times, 
1 am afraid thai il was truly unpU'asant. We of tlu' Sam Hrownes often 
made you do things (hat nou did not want to do, and graWhi'd the best 
billets and all that sort of thing. And as for you, >'ou will probably 
ne\'er know all the worrii'S yi)u ga\e us and llu' numbt'r of times we 
soothed the injurt'd fi'i'lings of a justly irate town mayor. Hut in the 
end we were just a litth' proud of one another — were we not — and 
played the game. Thai was the thing, and il was an insj^'ration to see 
you i')lay it, for vou did il so well, like the rt'd-blooded .Americans that 
you are. 

It was as a proud ri'lalion that 1 walcluti N'our line work in the Toul 
sector, at St. Miliiel and at A'enhm, and to ha\e ser\-ed ell)ow to I'lbow 
with \ou duiing thosi- heart bri'aking, wi'ar\- (la_\s and niglUs at Chateau- 
Thierry will i'\-er remain one of the most cherished meiuories of m_\- lite. 

Wishing you all the success in youi- fulmc life that you st) richly 

deserxe, belie\i" me, ^, . .• • i 

Your snicere Iriend, 

Norman D. MacLeod. 

Major, inyd F. A . 

To serve under nuai like CUassfortl, ChaiTee and Hanley was a pleasure. 
To work with mi'u liki' Drummond, (Irant, Chaffee, Holland, Knowles, 
iind all the ri'st, was a privilege. 

Mud, overwork, lack of sU'cj), cold and cooties are to be expected. 
Shortage of clothing, e(|uii>iut.'nt , rations, and ovi'rdue pay-days, were 
somi' of the things the mt'U faced as part (»f llu' price of getting tlu-re 
first. Thev faced tluMU all as they faced the enemy, with a smile and a 
joke. That is why tlu'ir olhcers were proud of them. 

E. r. II. Metc.vlf. 

1st Lieut., Battcrv B, lo^rd F. A. 

I 152] 






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Major Noriimii U. MutLfnl. 



I.iciil. Joliii J. I lickcy. 





Capt. 11. '1 . H. Mol.aH. 



f.ic-ut. i lir>rnaH I.. lift\niiHfm. 



153] 



At first I was in command of E Battery, and when things were turned 
upside down and I found myself with B Battery, I felt rather out of 
place. Outside of a few "grunts" however, the men and 1 have gotten 
along fine together and I am more than satisfied with the outfit. 

The men may growl at times and say they are through with soldier 
life, but in the years to come when they read this book they will never 
regret the days spent in Battery B. 

Walter Green. 

Ca plain, Bullcry B, lojrj F. A. 



In January, igiS, when with two other issue officers I was assigned to 
Battery B, 103rd F. A., I little realized how fortunate I was. But even 
in those days of early training, slopping around in the mud of Coetquidan 
with Johnny Garrett and "Feets" Metcalf, I began to appreciate the 
spirit and determination of the outfit. 

Through the soft war at Chemin des Dames and the more trying days 
at Bryan I, where we still had reveille at six o'clock, my respect for the 
boys grew. The way the boys kept their spirits when they had Chateau- 
Thierry substituted for furloughs at Aches and Pains, then St. Mihiel, 
and the final days of the war at Verdun, impressed upon me that fact 
that I had fought the war with an outfit that was second to none. 

During this time we had all grown up, so to speak, and the experiences 
will never be forgotten or regretted. As my service with the Battery 
lengthened my attachment to the men increased proportionately and I 
am proud to feel that I belong to Battery B. 

F. W. Bailey. 

isl Lieut. , Ballcry B, lojrd F. A. 



I feel as if I sort of climbed aboard B Battery after it had won its 
reputation, ])ut it is the only outfit with which I was identified and I am 
proud of it. 

For the men themselves I formed a deep liking as no one could com- 
mand a Battery like ours without becoming attached to it and interested 
in every member of such an outfit. 

Edward Hutchins. 

1st Lieut., Battery B, 103rd F. A. 
[154] 






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Capt. Walter Green. 



Lieut. Lawrence M. Ramsay 



1 








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Lieut. Edward Hutchins. 



Lieut. F. W. Bailey 



fi55] 



It is superflous for me to say how pleasant a war T fought with the 
Battery and how much T care for all the fellows with whom I was asso- 
ciated. 1 have ne\er known a better or more likeable crowd than the 
men whom I knew best in our Battery — the drivers. After I came 
back to this country, I found how different it was to be placed with a lot 
of men who seemed to have an entirely different attitude in regard to 
the relationship between ofhcers and men. 

John Garrett. 

isl Lii'ul., Balkry B, lojrd F. A. 



I am unable to put into words the admiration I have for the men of 
Battery B, 103rd F. A. I watched the Battery change from an organi- 
zation of recruits to seasoned soldiers of the line, able to comply with any 
order given them, no matter how difhcult or dangerous. 

I consider it an honor to have been associated with such a tine organi- 
zation of men, and regret that I was unal)le to go through the whole 
show with them, but shall always look back upon the thirteen months I 
served with them as the happiest of my army life. 

John H. Siteman, Jr. 

2iid Lieut., lojrd F. A. 



As good luck would ha\'e it when the otllicers were shulBed up and 
dealt out I landed with B Battery. I soon learned one thing, the heart 
of the Battery was sound. Behind the lines in France I never doubted 
its beat. "A" Battery might make a Battery, but "B" made a 
battalion. 

Sorry that T could not serve with the Battery at the front, although I 
never lost faith in you, and from the grandstand in the rear I looked on 
and api)lauded and appreciated the result. 

RrsH Sturges. 

isl Lieut., B Battery. 



[156] 



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Lieut. John 


W. Garret. 




Lieutenant Siteman. 





Capt.Rush Sturgess. 



Lieut. John Stark. 



[157] 





Lieut. MacDonald L. Edinger. 



Lieut Harold T. Phinney. 






1 ir 





Lieut. Howard C. Rather. 



Lieut. P. C. Drummond. 



[158] 




f 



1917 — 1919 

IN MEMORIAM 



WILLIE J. BACON 
RAY C, BERTHERMAN 
EDGAR R BLACK 



ALFRED C BUTTS^ 
ARCHIBALD COATS 
WILLIAM EFRANCIS 



,,mLL\MJ.BRAILSFORD FREDERICK A HARMON 

i HARpy LEEMAN' 



DULCE ET DECORUM 

8 EST 9mQ:PArmA. m>M 




i 


1 



nil 






P*^'"'T!!rT 







Specialist sergeant. "Ed" 
was highly respected by every 
man in the Battery. He was 
always to he seen spotlessly 
clean, ewn amid the dirtiest of 
conditions. A good soldier, his 
death came because he stuck 
to his job while suffering from 
a severe cold. Died while we 
were leaving the sector north- 
west of Toul. 



Edgar p. Mlack. 



Gunner corporal. The ideal 
type of soldier; big, strong, 
good-humored and hard work- 
ing, but above all, game. 
Severely wounded as he was 
leaving our last ])osilion at 
Wrclun. He diid short l>- after- 
ward. 




Ray C. Bertliormaii. 



[i6o] 




William J. Brailsfc>r( 



"Dutchy" was just a little, 
quiet chap, but his friends 
were numerous. He loved 

horses as probably did no other 
man in the Battery. He died 
at Le Blanc as the result of the 
severe gassing received at Ver- 
dun. 



Quiet, capable and willing, 
"Bill" was popular with every 
man who knew him. He was 
the ty])e upon which the Bat- 
tery's reputation was founded. 
Killed during an attack by 
German aviators at Chateau- 
Thierry. 




Alfred C Butts 



[lOi] 




Archibald C oats. 



Wluii l'"rt.'(l \\vn{, his xoiix' 
and cheery iH-rsonaHtv left a 
gap ill thi' Hatterv which was 
never fiUed. Killed al his pctst 
in the position at Hryan 1, 
northwest of Toiil. 



A royal good fellow who was 
given a commission and as- 
signed to another oullit. Our 
loss was their gain for Archie 
was one o{ the best. He stood 
the test and his record ])roves 
him a soldier. Died from 
wounds received in action. 




Frederick A. Harmon. 



[ 162 ] 



WILLIE J. BACON. 

A boy from the country with j^lenty of humor. Happy-go-hicky and 
rehable, he took things as they came and never worried. Died as the 
result of disease contracted at the front. 



WILLIAM H. FRANCIS. 

His voice was weak, but who can forget tlie strength he showed while 
working around the stables. Suffering all the time from disease, he 
was never heard to complain, but worked hard until he was forced to 
leave us at Chateau-Thierry for the hospital where he died. 



HARRY C. LEEMAN. 

A breezy Westerner who, though not long among us, had many 
friends who sincerely mourned his death. Killed by shell fire at 
Beauvardes, on the Chateau-Thierry drive. 



[163 I 



DAME RUMOR. 



Old dame rumor of army woes, 
Was a cjueer old lady with a big hook nose, 
And monstrous ears that stuck way out 
To catch each word, be it whisper or shout. 
He took great delight as the stories grew. 
Till where they had started, no one knew. 

Rumors of gloom and those of cheer. 
Stories of rest in the far away rear, 
Rumors of "leaves" that we didn't get. 
Tales that we wouldn't believe, and yet 
We hated to be the ones to find fault. 
So we swallowed them all with a grain of salt. 

"Home as instructors," came through at Toul, 
"We're going to run a Divisional School," 
"Parade in Paris the 4t.h of July," 
And the doggone train just tore right by 
To the war torn sector at Chateau-Thierry; 
Those blasted liars they made us weary. 

Here is a sweet one, "We move tomorrow," 
Get all the dough you can beg or borrow. 
"We're getting our furloughs, the dope is right," 
Then Glassford's, "We're off for another tight." 
"After this sector we're due for relief;" 
Get this one, now, "there's no more canned beef." 

"After the Armistice, we go to the Rhine," 
Then "Home for Christmas by White Star Line." 
"The next time we move we go by train," 
We did — hiked fourteen hours in the rain. 
"Full equipment, or stay in Brest," 
Honest, that rumor hound is a pest. 

So till the day that they turned us loose, 
Rumors would start with the least excuse. 
All kinds of stories came to our ears, 
Filling us with all manner of fears. 
Till we turned our backs on O. I), at last, 
Glad as hell that 'twas done and past. 

[1O4J 




Battery B Personnel. 



Adams, Fk\jmk A. 



"Fat," whose platform during the recent campaign was not 
G. 0. P. but O. D. V. One man who will never say a word 
against a steel lid. A soldier of real ability, he proved his 
worth in more ways than one. 



Agnew, Charles 



"Agnew, A-G-N-E-W— Bring me a BIG piece of pie." An 
Orderly Sergeant. He at least stuck to one job, and judging by 
results, did it well. 



AiTKEN, James D. S. 



Commonly known as " Jickey." A soldier before the Armis- 
tice — but then — a triangle hound. As a member of the fourth 
gun crew he needs no further recommendation. He surely 
stood some punishment in more ways than one. 



Albee, Gerard O. 



" Jed ". Member of " the suicide squad " — machine gunners. 
Ever ready "to do or die" when the comanche yell of Standish 
announced an airplane. 



[165] 



Alexander, Donald B. 

Not "THE GREAT," Init just "Whoofy," the "Cooties 
Choice." Major Leatherbelt's son and P. C. Booth's favorite 
to pick on. A whale of a <2;oocl telephone man, even to testing 
lines in his slee]). 

Allen, Frank 

Report to Corp. Allen for athletics. The Walter Camp of 
the Battery. A good caisson corporal. Also a bit of a 
tonsorial artist. 

Alling, Thomas B. 

Tom. " Assistant Veterinary " and a great friend of " Jickey" 
Earl. If dispositions are contagious he contracted "Trouve- 
ites." Tom sure did work around those poor nags and finally 
contracted a bad case of trench feet from constant standing in 
mud around the stables. 

Anderson, Gustave C. 

One of our latest recruits. Wished he had joined us sooner 
so that we could have known him better. 

Andrews, Clarence R. 

"Red." Always quiet but always ready. We're mighty 
glad the C. A. C. couldn't keep you "Red." No. i man on 
the second gun crew. He pulled the old lanyard cjuite a few 
times. 

Arnold, Milton C. — "Comprendre-pas" 

The Paul Revere of the "Champagne" Front. Another of 
the "Oriental Sergeant's Crew." Author of the book, "Bring- 
ing Good Cheer" to the officers. Did excellent work at OT43 
and also in many other sectors on his old switchboard. 

Aylesworth, Howard E. 

"Why do they call you 'dizzy' Howard?" We could never 
figure it out ourselves. A non-com, but that isn't to be held 
against him. A hard worker who deserved all he got. Com- 
mander of the Terrrible Terrors — the 4th Section. 

[i66j 



Bacon, Camile 

"Show the ladies where you were wounded." "Daisies 
won't tell Camy, dear." A. K. P. of renown. Held his breath 
for five minutes at Bryan II. 

Bailey, Ferdinand W. 

One of the so-called "issued" officers, received at Camp de 
Coetquidan. In spite of this handicap he became a popular 
officer. During the Front Line Work he was a fearless and 
brilliant reconnaissance and Firing Officer and was often the 
mainstay of the Commissioned strength of the Battery. 

Barber, Harrison C. 

Came to us at St. Mihiel, but time enough. Rather late, but 
gave us the benefit (?) of his S. O. S. information. The Watch- 
man's Rattle personified. 

Barnes, Decatur B. 

Came to us at Toul but left for the hospital before we got 
acquainted. Never came back! 

Barnes, James E. 

"Tubby." A combination of Lew Dockstader and "Dick" 
Canfield. Infected with joy-bugs. A regular guy as they say. 
Another Anti-Tanker. 

Barnes, P. S. 

"Phil." A classmate of "Jawn" Garrett, but not in the 
army. "Phil" left us to become a Chemical Warfare gent. The 
S. O. S. certainly gained a good thing when they got "Phil." 

Baltazar, Zajo — "Back piazza!" 

Now of the Soviet Army. His schooling in an iron foundry 
at home made him a valuable man on the ammunition detail. 
Spoke three languages — and some broken English. Rode (?) 
as orderly for Garrett at Coetquidan. 

[167] 



BAUTLi'7rr, Aubrey C. 

Quiet, oh, \cr\' (|ui(.'l; hul what a hustler. Tireless worker 
and good fellow at all times. Gunner corporal of second 
section, then a sergeant and sort of a strong right arm for 
everyone tt) lean on. Dependability personified. 

BARTLpyrT, Victor N. 

The boy who wanted to see a barrage. Hope you saw all 
you wanted, Victor. If you had joined us sooner you certainly 
would have. One of the best of those who joined us later. 

Bassett, William G. 

Known as "Narrer" for various reasons. Slept on the 
Western Front in a chamois lined "Waterman." Official 
jester for "Steve." From incenerator king to cook. 

Bayne, Daniel P. — "Those Bayne" 

'T)anny." Would try anything once, even to tinkering with 
time fuses. Did as much (?) as the rest of the mechanics. 
Headquarters pawned him off on us at Rangeval. Its an ill 
wind that blows nobody good. Like the barber, he was very 
proud. 

Beck, Rudolph M. 

Started to raise a moustache, but the mange set in. Had 
to go the the hospital, Init not l)ecause of the moustache. 

Beebe, Lawrence C. 

"Bo- Jack." " How's the Javy? " A sunny dispositioned lad 
from the Middle West. Popular with all the boys. Swung a 
wicked Coffee Ladle. 

Bell, Chester 

You were only with us a short while, but from what we saw 
of you we sure would have liked to seen you lugging shells in 
France. 

[168I 



Bennett, Ra^tviond A. 

Known as " Sarge." Successor to the alley Rabbit. Worked 
hard for the welfare of the Hanley mounts. One of the best 
riders in the Battery and that's saying quite a bit. 

Benoit, John B. 

Capt. Green's handy man. Did everything for him — even 
to cooking. Judging from the Captain's appearance you must 
have been a good cook, John. Napoleon said, "An army 
moves on its stomach." Benoit says, "and he never met our 
officer." 

Bergan, Nick T. 

" Nick." Made the boys step some. The Jim Thorpe of the 
outfit. Good athlete and good soldier, you've got to hand it 
to "Nick." How he could lug shells — he sure was a big boy. 

Bergin, Frank E. — "Frances" "Windy" 

He hails from Riverpoint, that's enough. Good natured, 
quiet and a willing worker. He did his share of the work. 
Still he got "his" when the mess line formed as few could 
beat him to "seconds." 

Bergin, W. E. "Bill" 

Two big handicaps. He came from the C. A. C. a corporal 
and had Frank for a brother. Like many of the other men from 
the Coast Artillery you did your share towards making a real 
outfit out of the Battery. 

Besser, Sidney S. 



"Stokes." Nearly died twice. The first time when he gave 
the gas alarm while asleep in the Sentry Box, and the other 
when "Nemo" was shot out of his hand. A friend of Perkins, 
Short and Jordan, he lost all sense of discipline at Vicq and 
Pontvallain. 

[169] 



Black, Frederick E. 

Guidon " Ferdie," the Pawtucket Flash, whose specialty was 
rumors. As guidon and courier he was equalled by none. 
Usually quiet, but firey at times. Well liked by all, including 
the Swede, 

BoARD^iAN, John W. — "Mother" 

"Cy." A cannoneer and ball player. "Cy" was inchned to 
take the army seriously. Just how seriously "Fritz" could 
probably testify to, as "Cy" was one of our best "Httle" 
cannoneers. 

Booth, Palmer C. 

Had the detail licked till they found his middle name was 
"Caddenhead." Left us to become Headquarters Radio man. 
Sarcastic, but well liked by all. Ask any member of the 
"detail" about his coolness under fire. No, No, we don't 
mean the battle of Paris! 



Booth, Raymond I. 



"Exzema" of the jaunting car fame! A good soldier and a 
whale of a football player. The gunner corporal on the 4th 
piece. He served from start to finish. A popular man always, 
although sort of a human tornado at times. 

Bourbon, Arthur P. 

"Stubby." The boy who will give any athlete a "rub." 
Answered all " Jawn" Broady's questions and that was enough 
to keep any man busy. Still he found time to learn to become 
one of the best drivers in the Battery. 

BOURGET, x\RTHUR W. 

"Art." "Goosey's" younger brother, whose conscience 
would not allow him to tear the beard out of his fellow warrior's 
face. A sober serious worker. 



[170] 



BouRGET, Elmer J. 



"Goosey." That's him all over. "Goosey" by name and 
the same by nature. He certainly did wield a wicked razor. 

Next ! 



BOURKE, WlLLL\M D. 



"Messkit Spiller." Every time he opened his mouth he put 
his foot in. But when all was said and done there wasn't a 
better natured, harder working boy in the outfit than "Billie." 



Bo^^N, Charles P. 



Supply Ofificer at times. We did, however, by virtue of our 
scouts, and Lt. Metcalf's pure nerve get two cars of lumber 
from him. 

Brailey, John H. 

"Jack" was inclined to hand out a little sarcasm along with 
the grub. A cook extraordinary he was enticed away by the 
M. P's. His beef steak pie was Blondy Jack's making. 

Briden, E\'ERETT a.— "Ev" Also another caller at Number 19. 

" On and off " the water wagon at the same time. Harrison's 
side kick and equally fiendish. One of the three men who 
"Jickey" Aitken shunned. We wonder why. Played the 
ponies, therefore caisson corporal. But he didn't let that 
change his 170 lbs. of square deal. 

Brien, Leo 

A good-hearted chap from Woonsocket. He horned his way 
into the Band and eventually Headquarter's Company. That 
was unfortunate Leo, as we would have liked to see you stay 
with the Battery. He and his watch parted company at 
Southampton owing to the H. C. L. The Ligersoll was later 
recovered and Leo then fought a peaceful war. 



171] 



Broady, John, J. 

''A broth of a boy," to quote "Stubby." Asks more ques- 
tions ihan a census taker. "What time is it?" "Let's take 
your fountain pen." "Got a shoe lace?" Strong for Karo. 
When told to i)ut on a gas mask, he said, "Have another 
sandwich, sergeant!" 

Brown, Harry R.— "Dirty Dan from Denver." 

Made a lot of noise and took uj) a lot of room. Another one 
of our members who followed the M. P's. at Pontvallain. He 
should have made a good one. "Don't fuss up, I'm from 
Colorady." 

Brown, Howard C. 

"Big Brown." A good natured chap and a hard worker. 
Outside of training wheel horses, he also trained cigarettes to 
hang to his upper Hi). He trained Ijoth well. 

Bullock, Harold A. 

Veterinary's Assistant and tamer of dogs. Souvenir hunter 
of the first water having only one peer — our own Standish. 

Bunch, Luther 

From Missouri — he had to be shown. A member of the 
sixth section, his army life was no cinch, but he took all details 
as they came. 

Burlingame, Harold W. 

The latrine architect and toolless mechanic. "The border 
was tougher than this war," said "Burly.'' "Burly" was a 
good scout in spite of a few pessimistic views. 

Burns, Charles J. 

Not the detective, just a corporal. A sticker for detail, and 
one who enjoyed working hard. Handled the sights on the 
3r(l piece throughout the war, except when he was running the 
ammunition detail. 

[172] 



BuRRiES, Dee 



Could absorb more heat than any other six men in the outfit 
No Eskimo blood in his veins he was always ready to let some 
cannoneer ride on a cold night. "Too bad there wasn't more 
like him," says cannoneers. 

Burton, Wallace 

"Wally." Specialist Sergeant, he was typical of his section. 
Left us for officers school and became a lieutenant. We know 
he made a good one, unless he changed a lot. 

Butler, Franklin C. — "The Adjutant" 

Through several observation post details he came up smiling. 
A good all around man, although many of us didn't really get 
to know him until late in the game. Also served as a can- 
noneer, and worked hard. 

Butterworth, Walton B. 

Ike-addicted to cigarettes now. You should hear him holler 
when the commissary truck didn't have his Edgeworth. And 
he was such a nice boy when he enHsted! Never mind "Ike," 
you didn't change, much, and you certainly showed some of 
the other boys how to make good. 

Cabot, Henry 

During his short service in the Battery he proved himself a 
wizard at firing data. Would [)robably have turned out 
another good "issue" officer if he had remained with us. 

Cahil, Philip J. 

"Little Flip," the smallest man in the army. What he 
lacked in stature he made up in nerve. If he wasn't turned up 
so far at the bottom he would have been a tall man. Says 
"Flip," "You don't need length to be a good soldier," and 
we agree with him. 

[173] 



Cmkns, CiIOoik;!'; j. 



" Corporal I'JliciciuN' " alias " Li tier I'ound." VV'Iutc do voii 
i;(l llial "o\(i' tlic lop" willi dri'ss suit slulT? Soil of an 
acKaiu'c aj^i'iiL lor JkLLU'iy J>. Deserved his LiLle oi Corporal 
JOnicieiicy. 



Callahan, John | 



"Siiiiliii!^ jawn," a son ol ( )ld Liiii One of our Lcsl drill- 
niaslcrs. Tlic old ('lic\au\ woiiicd liini lor a while hul pcr- 
S('\ cranci' won oul. Li lact a j;ood all around man, whom 
ewryoni' was glad to know. 



Cally, MLLHLK/I' 



l''ollowc(l ri'fj;ulal ions lu'a\il\'. Came lo us with a wonderful 
"rc|)" from 1 he Coiinei. lieul oullil. Lt'fl lor staff sc1uh)I. A 
<j;ood olfuiT, ncMT gave us cause for loniplainl. 



CaUNAHAN, iMiANK 



" I'"o fo's aint wuth a damn. T got fo ones." To meet l'"rank 
on I he si reel was a pleasui'e, lo " sit in " on a " lit t U' game" wit h 
him was one of the most enjo}'al)le pastimes jjossible. .\nd 
we'll stale right here that "Carney" was sure some "li'll o"l 
poker playi'r. .\ big slow going thap, hul a darni'd u^ood 
woiker. 



Cassid^, \'inciont T. 



"Cass." lL)p along, Cassids , the Kaio Kid. Tullys U-llow 
townsman. Wealthy in pure lead. The piMiiod ol L l>ath'ry. 
Seared the S. (). S. half to death with his tales of life at tlie 
front. Mis fi'et helped him liek the ai'uiy on the long hikes. 



ChakkkI':, Hit; am I]. 



'lli" was a good sergeant . Leeame a lieutenant alter mueh 
delay, and suri' did deserxc it. .\ hard working efrieient 
enlisti'd man and aftt'iward a popular ollieer whose rise in 
lank I handed him not at all. 



•74 



Chase, Reubion R. 



"llonu'ly." "The liMlc l)l;i(k (IoukIhuiI kiii«." His sole 
accomplishnu'iil —words ;iiul music of " JVljidclon." He would 
always help make a quartet, or get into a wrestliiij^ mah li. lie 
could make doughnuts or drive a pair and really was a i)retty 
useful man. 



Chase, Kii* I. 



One of the most efficient non-coms we inherited from old 
A iiattery. Rather inclined to he (i. II. ()., hut made |)lenty of 
friends hefore he left us for Plattshurgh. We know he made 
plenty there. 

Cheever, Wai/jmou K. 

He |)roved his worth a1 the ninety-fives. That was a tough 
detail for you Walter, hut you showed that you were a soldier 
every inch, and the Battery is mighty jjroud of y<ju. Inci- 
dentally Walter was a good six feet tall. 

Choslikowski, (h'l'o J. 

No, Otto, its easier to say "Murphy." One of McCarthy's 
charges. He was quickly shown how a Battery works. A 
little late in joining us, hut everyone soon knew him. 'l"oo had 
you're not a New Knglander, Ottcj, s(; as to he around to tiie 
reunions. 



ClAKKE, liKN.JAMJN J' 



"lien" was rather hard to get acquainted with, hut after one 
knew him they found him a ])rince. A hard worker who never 
grumhled at the many details thnnvn at him. 



Clayton, I^knj':8T 



We lost a good man when tlie (). M. grahhed him at Coet- 
quidan. Sorry you couldn't have stayed with us old lop, hut 
we know you made good wherever you were. 



ins 



Clough, Irving H. 

"Sir Cluff." One of the specialists until the Armistice was 
signed. Then he started to learn the nianual of arms with the 
rifle at that late date, and made the model gun squad that 
beat A Battery. Also a basket ball player of note. 

CoMSTocK, Thomas H. 

Met with an accident which deprived the Battery of his 
services. "Liked France pretty well," he says, but was glad 
enough to get back to the Battery to come home with us. 

Cook, E. M. 

"The third day he arose again" — Another of our best curry- 
comb pushers. Only smoked his pipe once — from the day of 
enlistment to the day of discharge. One of our faithful drivers. 

Cook, Raymond G. 

Not very tall, but very energetic. Did great work on the 
Anti-Tank gun crew. Cool, calm and collected on that Red hot 
morning of April 20th. Well liked by everyone for his disposi- 
tion was a winner. 

Cook, William M. 

Whose monicker is "Arches." The "Julian Eltinge" of the 
Battery. One of the C. A. C's contributions. He proved a 
valuable asset on the gun crew. One of the best song birds in 
the Battery, he did more than his share in helping to keep the 
boys smiling. 

Corcoran, Edward F. 

"Eddie" the boy with the perpetual smile. As a lead driver 
he was without a peer in the A. E. F. Eventually became a 
caisson corporal and certainly did deserve it. 

CoRFiELD, Charles K. 

"Cauliflower." "Lieut. Ward's friend." "Three cans for 
one dollar." "Large families, special rates." One of the 
quietest, best natured boys in the Battery. We don't see why 
C Battery's chesty should pick on you, and we're glad you 
showed him where he got o&. 

[176] 



CovENEY, John J. 



Sort of an in and outer with us. Here today and gone to- 
morrow. Ellis's shadow, he proved a valuable one. Just a 
good natured kid, we're glad he was with us for a while. 



Craven, Horace 



"Before I was in the jug no one knew me, now everyone says 
'Ello Grace.'" Orderly from the start, but fell from his 
position through a cigarette on the St. Mihiel drive. A corking 
good soccer player, he proved himself a real Englishman. We 
bet he still remembers his soldiering at Seicheprey. 



Cross, Ralph N. 



"Should have come home with his two stripes," says the 
editor of fair play. Ralph always was a conscientious boy 
but what became of Metcalf's champagne? Co-author with 
Bill Mackie and Jeff Lord of "Over the Top on a Ration 
Cart." For a quiet boy you liked plenty of excitement, Ralph. 
Sure to talk about the messkit water. 

Crowe, Alfred B. 

We knew "Old Crow" pretty well, but not this fellow. Few 
of the boys in the Battery really knew "Al." Possessed of 
self-confidence, he was as efficient as a machine gunner as he 
was as a line plunger on the football team, and that's sayin^r 
something. " 

CURLEY, CORNELHJS J. 

"How ar' yez, Martin?" One of the boys from the fighting 
town of Ballykilhagity. A horseman of no mean ability, his 
horses were among the best looking in the army. A ' Sinn 
Feiner of the first water but never known to do a McSwiney. 

Davis, Milton E. 

"My gracious, Em starved." The boy of a thousand baths. 
Started out as a driver but changed to a cannoneer. Fought a 
good war until he forgot to leave the Big Ben at " Tubby 's'''ear. 

[177] 



Davis, Wakrkn E. 

Came to us under the handieap of already having three 
stripes. Rather (jidcl especially lor a sergeant. One of our 
star basketball i)layers. 

DEMINC, Pf]RCIVAL B. 

Between his motorcycle and his ukelele he ft)Ughl a peaceful 
war. As an " insectologer" he always had a good specimen 
with him. One of our best entertainers. Headquarters de- 
manded a lot of his time. 

Dempsey, John J. 

"A bit of a boxer." Bright and smiling, he was always to be 
relied upon. Another representative of the C. A. C. He 
showed his early training by being on our ])rize drill squad — 
that beat 'em all. Did fuie ser\-ice as a sjas uuard. 



DeSisto, Santo 



Fingered the mandolin to perfection. As for doing a 
"Weston" howe\er, ])age the ambulance. Cannoneer of the 
first section. He worked hard especially at the front. 



Deuel, Halbk ht B. 



The snai)p}- owner of the .\lpaca coat. 'riux)ugh a ni'sprint 
in a "grunt" he was done an injustice. A real soldier who 
had some tough moments on liaison with the Infantry. 



Devine, Edwin K. 



Mickey, not the "Olneyville Slasher." He "boiled" with 
enthusiasm. Good work, Mickey, only ten with cooties on 
March 7, iqiq. A hard worker and always good natured. 
"IMickev" was one of the best liki'd l)o\s in the outfit. 



DeVries, Georce T. 



One of "Ted" Howell's crew. He dro\-e wheel on the park 
wagon. Yavu this couldn't affect his sunny disposition, and 
George could always be found smiling, and eating, if there was 
anything to eat. 

[17S] 



Donnelly, Walter B. 

Went to Brigade Headquarters but couldn't agree with the 
General so came back. A border veteran. He was one of the 
best specialists in the Battery. 

Donnelly, Walter J. 

"Stubby'' Bourbon's rival in debate. " What's your jumiber, 
Donnelly?" Of no mean ability with the dotted cubes, he 
cornered many "frankers." Besides driving the water wagon 
he did good work in the kitchen whenever a butcher was needed. 
Helped get some of our best meals ready. "Steve" says he 
weighed more when he was discharged than when he enlisted. 

Drummond, Frank C. P. 

The only toj) sergeant who had an orderly. Ambition got 
him and he became the perfect soldier. As top sergeant he 
drove himself and his men without mercy. Red tape delayed 
his commission, but it finally came through and with it he left 
the Battery. 

Dyson, James 

"Dynamite Jim." "Only another month," says you, Jan- 
uary, 1917. The "triangle hound" of Verdun. A quiet easy 
going chap, well liked by all. 

Earl, Thomas E. 

"Sunbeam" or the "Rag Doll." The dogs barked at Rip 
Van Winkle but they laughed at " Jickey." When in doubt, 
salute K. of C. Cooked the drunken goose of Coqui . K. P. or 
stable orderly, "Sunbeam" was cheerful no matter what the 
job; and believe us- some cook. 

Edinger, MacDonald L. 

From buck private to Lieutenant. He fought a pretty 
tough war, so some of the boys thought, but not so, says Mac. 
Mac showed the value of college French in finding the best the 
country could offer in liquids. "Can't give you size ten, will 
two pair of fives do?" 

[ 179] 



Edwards, Leonard J. 

''One of the little business men." A "bounder" for rumors 
especially as far as the Battery mo\in,n was concerned. A 
]-)roduct of the ''Burlingame Ha\ard school." Was never 
known to forget that he was a mechanic. 

Ellis, Herbert C. 

Familiarly called "Hubby." "Put the bloodhound to bed, 
'Coveney.' " A good worker so he was generally found "on 
detail." We're glad you got the fe\er and enlisted before we 
left Boxford. 

Elmer, Guy 

The boy who proved that one could be a real "horseman" 
even if he did come from the C. A. C. You came to us a 
cor])oral and was a corporal when we finished and certainly no 
one deserved the two stripes more. Four blacks and a fourgon, 
a steady hand and rations for the gun position. 

Emidy, Herman L. 

"joe." "Sanitary detachment present or accounted for." 
Then he joined the Battery and did many things, ending up 
by taking a trip to a gas school. Quiet but capable, everyone 
had confidence in Joe. 

Emmons, Clifton O. 

Sole rejiresentative of the Bull Durham Company on the 
Western l''roiit. Had a peculiar nose for gas. Managed to 
li\e pretty well in si)ite of the fact that Charlie Pillar was 
generall}- looking for him. "Not such a bad war, at that," 
says "Clif." 



F^MMONs, Joseph G. 



"Spotless." Known as the model soldier. As a chief of 
section he held high fa\()r for his efficiency. No man in the 
outfit b.ad more friends than our Joe. What happened at 
Chambrey and Aix-Les-Bains, Joe? 

[iSoJ 



FiNLEY, Harold R. 



"Bud." He stored up like a chipmunk. Get your bar- 
racks bag, "Bud," the commissary truck is coming. Quiet and 
eflEicient cannoneer. Went broke lending to his friends, and 
he had many. 



Feeley, Richard J. 



"Rickey." Though he spent most of his time hobnobliing 
with the adjutant he held allegiance to B Battery where his 
friends were numerous. 



Foster Irving G. 



Another of the Pluck and Luck series. From horse pusher 
to motorcycle driver. No walking for you, my boy. 



FoRSYTHE, Percy C. 



A smart little bit of a man. Boxer, barber, driver, and 
"there" on anything assigned to him. Motorman haircuts a 
specialty. The only man in the outfit who enjoyed grooming. 



Frigon, George H. 



A very quiet man, who was there on the gun crew. He made 
very little noise but he worked like blazes. He sure could 
parlez-vous and got some of the boys many good meals by 
acting as "interrupter." 

Fuller, Charles H. 

Drove on the slatted wagon. Cleaned up on the cubist 
contest one time — many, many francs. Quiet and well liked. 

Gardiner, Charles D. — "Hank" 

One of the mainstays of the first section. Somewhat of a 
"cut-up" (at times). A hard worker and a credit to the outfit, 
except when he bounded a rock off his own bean at Coetquidan. 

[i8i] 



Gardiner, Sttirley D. 

Very G. H. Q. as to handing out the vitlles. "Help your- 
selves, boys?" Knew the Cook's manual from cover to cover 
and never guessed an ounce out of the way. Earned Mess 
Sgt. Chevrons. Suffered from palsy in covering distance from 
jxin to mess kit. Really, however, Shirley was a conscientious, 
hard working soldier. 

Garrett, John W. II. 

"Jawn" with the Ilnd attached always, His horse lines 
were as perfect as his riding breeches. Even G. H. Q. in- 
spectors spoke of them (the horse lines). Sort of a brother to 
"Ike" Melvin. Well liked by all the boys. 

Gaitvin, .\rthur G. 

Fat and then some. Even hard work couldn't wear it off. 
"What! On guard again? I was on last night!" 

GiFFORD, Harold U. 

The Iron Man, a title shared with Girvan. When "Giff" got 
his hands on anything, something had to give. No wonder 
the 4th gun crew was good with this man-size man lugging 
shells. The ty|3e on which the Battery's "rep" was founded. 
Also a bit of a ball player. 

Girvan, James G. — "Lucky" 

The other iron man. A man from the land of the Blue Noses 
who was bashful as a girl but was some boy. A handy man at 
Bryan II. With a yard stick he went around looking busy as 
blazes. A hard worker when hard work was needed. 

Glossenger, Leroy F. — "Moss Back" 

We certainly picked a winner when you went w'th the horses. 
This boy was quiet but the che\au\ must like them that way. 
"Gloss" sure had them licked. Was caisson corporal and 
deserved it. Also wielded a wicked axe. 

[1S2] 



GouiN, Phillias p. 

"Pete " they called him and he answered. Sort of a shadowy 
individual, here today, missing tomorrow. Probably had more 
passes than any man in France. (He took them and got away 
with it). Helped out many a man who couldn't parlez-vous. 
"Here's a kiss for you, Pete." 

Graham, Arthur E. — "Cracks" 

Our Gas Corporal. Knew the different perfumes and spent 
many hours on guard. He and Ormiston made a team of 
"promising" business men. 

Grant, Robert S. — "Lassiter" 

Bob fought a tough war, but always came out on top. Oh, 
boy — how he could handle those gigantic wheelers. A real 
good fellow, somewhat inclined to cynicism at times. With 
the Armistice, "Bob" decided that work was over. The Army 
got a worse licking at Pontvallain than the Germans got at 
Chateau-Thierry. 

Grant, Wilmot A. — "The War Eagle" 

Corporal-Sergeant-Top Sergeant-Lieutenant, and always just 
"Bill" Grant, everyman's friend, a real soldier, the best in the 
Army. What more could be said of any good man. 

Green, Walter 

Skippered our outfit for a time. An old-timer who came up 
from the ranks, and whose conduct toward the enlisted per- 
sonnel proved that he knew it was tough to be a buck. He 
showed marked consideration at all times, and hated inspec- 
tions as much as we did. 

Grinnell, Flint 

Always kept cool, and was game. First to aid Ray Berther- 
man in Death Valley. Good humored and likable at all times, 
except when he decided to "chew ears." 

[183] 



GiiiNNELL, William E. 

Lost the makings of a snappy moustache doing fire guard at 
Banc-de-Pierre. It was the making of him for he proved to be a 
regular soldier and a regular fellow. 

Grover, Luther W. 

The man who tried e\'erything in the Army froni dusting the 
famous alpaca to bugling. Also tried Brigade Headquarters, 
but that was too easy, so he came back to "work." 

Grosvenor, Oliver W. 

An officer who received his orders from "Ho]:)-a-long" 
Cassidy, and thus a popular one, for he always obeyed them. 
Not with us \'cry long; we wish he might have stayed longer. 

Haigh, Robert E. — "Snufflebeak" (see Booth). 

An incurable joker. Did much to keep the outfit in good 
humor. A "Tex'' Richard in the entertainment field. Always 
there with a brush painting anything from a messkit uj) to one 
of the pieces. A handy man to ha\e around. 

Hale, Elmer R. 

Hale was a running mate of Dorsey Hall. In this case two 
of a kind beat anything in the Army. Received training in the 
C. A. C, and so could learn \ery little from us. 

Hall, Dorset 

Hale's shadow. Had a rect)r(l all his own in the Battery. 
Helped Hale to lick "Big Brown"" from Denver. 

Hamilton, Edward D. — "Hecker" 

Always in the way of something, either Lieutenant Ward or 
German H. E. shells. Through all his hard luck he always 
came up smiling. Nearly forgot to come home with us. 



184 J 



Hanley, Gerald T. 

Our original skipper. In spite of his promotions, he always 
remained "Cap" to us. His was the hard task of making 
soldiers out of rookies, and he deserves much of the credit for 
anything the Battery accomplished. Even while striving for 
efSciency, 'Jed" always kept the welfare of his men above all 
other things. 

Hansen, Alvin 

Jordan collared him at La Courtine. As things go by 
opposites, he was correspondingly quiet. A hard worker and 
good scout we are glad he came to B Battery. 

Harding, Clarke T.— "Pop" "Highpockets" 

The long, lean, gunner corporal of the second section. He 
was an example of what good nature and a good soldier should 
be. Also went in strong for basketball. 

H.\rrlson, Fr.\nk C. 

Frank enjoyed life highly at all times. Number one on the 
third piece, he slammed the old breech block on many a 155 
compliment to Fritz. A real likeable boy. 

Harrison, Herbert E. — "Bert" 

The wingless bird with the seagoing binoculars. He hailed 
from Pawtucket and boasted of it. With his rival for the dizzy 
title he was champion ear biter and harasser of many people, 
using razors or any other weapon. A collector of souvenirs' 
With all his irresponsibility no man ever deserved his rating 
more, nor was any man a better soldier. 

Harrop, John A. (Sometimes known as Shirley) 

Aide-de-camp to "Jocko" and then to Shirley Gardiner and 
equally fond of both jobs. Glad to have had you in the 
kitchen as you did cook us a good meal. Not very sarcastic, 
and really a good fellow. 

[ 18s J 



Harwood, Charles S. "Pop" or "Just a hair Charlie." 

Was the "big noise" in the Battery Rendering Co. Quiet 
and retiring, something Hke a barrage. Age unknown, but was 
probably Corporal of the Guard the night Washington crossed 
the Delaware. Never mind, Pop, you showed up some of the 
younger birds at that. 

Havard, Raymond A. 

"Liff up you mens." Never hiked a step. After good work 
with the Battery he went to motor school, and from there to 
another regiment to take charge of the Motor Transport Corps. 

Hazlehitrst, Thomas P. "Zero" "Hazel." 

He'll never be the same unsophisticated youngster again. 
He learned many things, among them, what a "butterfly" will 
do to a man's head. A hard worker and the Oriental Sergeant's 
right hand man. Ask him if anyone ever got his goat. 

Heaton, Alfred T. "Our Alf." 

The only man in the outfit who could keep step with 
"Broady." This was doubtless due to his Boy Scout Train- 
ing. Cannoneered with great efficiency. Also like Lippold, 
he swung a wicked jam spoon. 

Heditsian, Tateos M. 

As a soldier he was a great button mechanic. A veritable 
Morris Plan. Much sought after by the "foolish little officers." 
At the front showed real worth, and was an Ai man in a gun pit. 

Hesketh, .Albert 

If silence was golden this man would never be broke. Sorry 
you were so quiet as it leaves us fiat for a slam. Still waters 
run deep and so we have our suspicions even if you were one 
of our best cannoneers. 

HiCKEY, John J. 

Lieutenant Hickey was our idea of a regular fellow. Came 
to us from a Connecticut Battery, and believe us they had 
cause to be sorry. As an echelon officer he was the works, but 
as an ammunition officer he was surpassed by none. 

[i86] 



HiRD, Edwin A. 

"Ed" for short. "Puff, puff" made a name for him. No en- 
tertainment was complete without him. As a character man 
he was "there." His horses were among the best. 

Hodgson, George E. "Our Tenor" 

"Sing that one about the YD, Jigger." A hard working 
driver and a popular young man. Willing to do all he could at 
either work or play, and that meant that "Jigger" generally 
did a lot. 

Holland, Paul F. 

A hustling top kick, he threw terror into the hearts of the 
Lead Brigade (that is except a few). The man who named 
"Krausmeyer" officially. As chief of the first section he was 
some boy, and as top sergeant he was even better. His remarks 
at reveille would stir a dead man to action. 

Holmes, George F. "Nobody" 

The Park Wagon specialist. Author of a book, "Are 
rubber boots an aid to fallen arches." A good worker on the 
telephone board, and a member of the Special Detail. 

Hopkins, Howard A. "Hoppy" 

The reformed bugler. A companion of "TuUy's." How is it 
that all the boys from Wickford were thirsty. One of our best 
drivers and the only man in the outfit who ever carried thermite 
bombs in his saddle bags. 

Howell, Edward — "Ted" 

Shy and retiring as regards to vittles. The man who drove 
Steve to Paris. A hard working and earnest soldier who earned 
his chevrons by painstaking endeavor. 

HOWLAND, StANDISH 

"Whoops Standish Aeroplane." He revelled in the collec- 
tion of everything from candlesticks to church steeples. The 
souvenir hunter de luxe. Also a very efficient machine gunner. 

[187] 



Hughes, John M. 



This bird had a fund of real wit which he could call upon at 
almost anytime. A pal of "Tubby" Barnes. A driver of the 
hrst water and a real friend of the horses. 

HuTCHiNS, Edward 

Why didn't we always have you " Eddie?" Won the hearts 
of all the men in a very short time. Didn't ,^o in much for 
heavy duty stuff. Didn't care for hooch except for an occa- 
sional " nip " with a friend. He had no enemy. The type of 
ofificer always admired. 

Hurley, Joseph D. "Dirty Mike" (We don't know why) 

Like the great Omnipotent, on Christmas Eve he slept in a 
stable. Star pitcher on the baseball team. Always a model 
young man we fail to see how he got mixed up with "Perky" 
and his gang at Pontvallain. Well liked, and a wiUing worker. 

Iljan, Herman — "Sailor" 

Speaks five languages and a slight smattering of English. 
A man of the world, and yet he chose Pawtucket for a home. 
A good soldier at all times. 



»^ 



Tngr.aham, John E. — "Jocko" 

Our very eflficient clerk, ably assisted at various times by 
damn near all the Battery. Even drove Standish to cigarettes. 
Beloved by all. His claim to fame lay in his knowledge of 
Major Moss's i\rmy Paperwork. 

Irish, Henry A. 

The gloom bugs thdn't have a chance while "Hen" was 
around. Kept us cheerful in many a dull hour, with his lively 
conservation. One of our best gas guards, and liked by all the 
boys, including "Broady." A man of rare personality. 



iS8 



Jackson, George E. — "Cedric, that Son-in-Law of Pa's" 

Nature favored him and placed him on the skeleton gun 
crew. As "Steve" Knowles says, "He's a good cannoneer, 
despite his weight, but where in hell does he put all the food he 
gathers in." 

Jeffers, Frank E. 

"Jeff" was a mighty good soldier, and had darned hard luck. 
Any man who could stand what he did crossing the ! ! ? ? x x x 
Channel, and at "Cokey," has our sincere admiration. Sorry 
you couldn't have stayed with us way through, "Jeff." 

Jones, Henry H. — "Parson" 

Cited for plumbing at Coetquidan. One of the members of 
the popular L. A. Brigade. Did good work at the front, and 
was wounded for his pains. However, he could see no sense 
in drilling after the war was over. 



'!-> 



Jordan, Raymond E. "The chocolate hound" 

The man who tried every job in the Army except cook. 
Was wounded on the 95 detail but galloped back at Chateau- 
Thierry. Held high favor with "Jocko"??? An ardent 
follower of the clickers. Finally as motorcycle expert and 
chauffeur he toured the country. Great on explaining things. 
A realgood scout. 

Kamp, Estel 

A slow going young boy from the prairies, but as a wrestler 
Kindig will vouch for his ability. He well knows the weight of 
a 155 mm shell from his service on the ammunition detail. 
One of the best from the Middle West. 

Kaufman, Carl W. 

Not the $2.00 hat bird, but a wee bit of a boxer. Quiet and 
one of the late comers; we haven't much on him. 

Keeley, Daniel J. — "Snake" 

Small and happy. Went to Headquarters Company early 
in the game and there acquired a "Black Jack" reputation! 

[1S9] 



Kenastqn, Arthur V. — "Parade Rest" "Cap" 

"Serfi^eaiU Drummoiul, I want a raise or Dl (juit the army." 
Made a hit with the French officers at Ranc-de-Pierre. Had 
no use for Vin Rouge. One of our best French scholars. 
"Vive la France, Pomme de terre," was his greeting to the 
French demoiselles. Canned Willy vs. Vin Rouge. A fair 
exchange is no robbery. A great worker at all times. 

Kenyon, Frank C. "Fall in." 

He literally did fall in on the Baltic, and was ever after 
known as "Fall in" Kenyon. A driver of real ability, and a 
good worker among the horses. Did his share at all times. 
He was, however, on "Steve's" black list. 

Kenyon, Pardon H. — "Parcl" 

Driver of the Officer's Jam and Poultry Wagon. Not noisy 
but accomplished many tasks without a grumble. A likeable 
chap. 

KiNDiG, Raitviond — "Shindig" 

"The Stranglcr Lewis of the outfit." 220 lbs of avoirdupois. 
Kamp showed him something. Shines with a messkit. How 
can one man know so much and live? 

King, William J. 

One man whose name Cai)tain Hanley soon learned. Started 
off wild, but finished well. Nothing phased him, not even 
Eau de Vie. 

Knowles, Stephen D. — "Steve" 

Words fail us. He should rate a book by himself. Most of 
us would be without nick names but for "Steve." Death on 
Kitchen Spies and Mess Kit rattlers. His keen sense of humor 
and dry comments helped smooth over many a rough spot. 
Took a trip to Paris at the close of the unpleasantness, and 
we were right glad to see him back. 

[ 190 J 



Langddn, Duncan 

"Dune" Laiifijdon was a fj;reat scout, believe us. Lcfl us 
lo become an observer in the Balloon Squadron, and kept 
track of us from the air, sometimes directinjf our fire. We 
surely wish he might have remained as one of our officers 
throughout the war. 

LARMIE, GE()K(iE A. 

Worked like lull for the second section. Red headed and 
with the usual energy given to men of this type, he soldiered 
f(;r all he was worth which was some worth, believe us. 

Lattinville, Joseph A.^"Jcike the TToundcr" 

The inventor of a new language. " You can't do him a speck." 
"Say, you haven't got a dirty, old, wrinkled, torn five francer, 
have you?" was "Joe's" favorite greeting. The last man to 
take off his gas mask and helmet in Providence. Author of 
"Journeys with a Bicycle thrtnigh France." 

LaVIN, (iEOIKiE E. 

'J"he (^nly man in llie A. K. F. who could chew Bull Durham. 
A sanitary K. P. 'J^ie Fox Puttee nKKlel. It isn't rheumatism 
boys, its the ])utts. A hard working young man. 

Lawson, William i\ "The ti})sy violinist" 

Of violin fame. Drove a snappy j)ark wagon hitch. One of 
the (ieneral's P'iddlers. Not given to noise making except 
through his music, he was a nice retiring kind of a boy. 

Le Clair, Homer 

"Can't do a s])eck on dcjuble time. Lieutenant boixlle." 
Had his own ideas of soldiering and generally got away with 
them. 

LEPERE, (jR.VilEX L. "Ji(joby" 

A master of the French language. An excellent driver always 
dependable. Went on a furhjugh with "Slubby." Heard they 
had a good time. Gave up a chance for a cushy jol) as inter- 
preter in the S. O. S. to stay with the outfit and do a few specks 
on seconds. 

[191] 



Lezotte, Leslie W. 

The l)ir(l with the regular urmy i)ast. Evidently learned 
foot drill somewhere. What we want to know is, "who painted 
his helmet on the Mongolia?" "Good morning, my name is 
Butts, have you read my manual?" 

Lincoln, Leroy D. — ''Line" 

Abe had an ear for music. How he could murder "Parlez- 
Yous." A driver of renown, even fortunate enough to be 
featured in the "Yanks in Action" (see Captain Cooper). A 
good fellow always, and the army never had him licked. 

LiKDSEY, H.\ROLD A. 

In civil life a tire agent, in army life, a gent tired. Saw 
service at Saint Aignan. From what he said, he evidently 
enjoyed life in the S. O. S. 

LiPPOLD, Herbert W. — "Jam Hound" 

Little Piggy Deerfoot. Some wielder of the knife and fork. 
Could get thirds before the rest of us got through firsts. With 
all this grub inside, no wonder he was a good man. 

Littlefield, M.\rsil\ll E. 

Left the Special Detail for Aviation where a young man has 
a chance to rise. Read his book, "Twenty hours in the Air," 
illustrated by Haigh. One of those conscientious boys who 
always do their best, the army was mostly work and no i)lay 
for him. 

LovELL, Kenneth W. 

A battle-scarred chief of section t)n the ()5's, where he did 
corking good work. "Ken" had brains and was often dis- 
gusted with the way things were run in the army. He didn't 
hesitate to show his feelings and so got in wrong with the 
powers that be. A good soldier and a better fellow. 



192] 



MacDonald, Lester A. — '1-Beam" 

An ex-telephone lineman, he found himself indispensable in 
repair work on the battery telephone squad. Known to the 
boys as "I Beam," probably because of his ability to stand the 
gaff. One of the mainstays of the special detail. 

Mackie, William A.— "Willie," per Steve 

Dirty, tired, peeling potatoes, his big round face shining with 
sweat and good humor. His potatoes were not always per- 
fect, but his spirit was priceless. From cook to the Villain's 
assistant. Violinist m the Jazz Band. 

Mahoney, James P. — "Jim" 

"I wish this damned war was over." "Naw, get tuhell outa 
here, I aint got no shoes." In spite of the fact that he always 
talked as if he was about to gobble a man up, there wasn't a 
better hearted, better liked, or harder working man than Jim. 

]\iASON, OrIN a. 

Old King Brady, an A. E. F. Sleuth, or Intelligence?? Officer 
Bet he had a good time in Paris? 

MliRcoTTE, Joseph M. 

The vain driver of the greatest pair of plugs in the army. 
Trouve's eternal enemy. "He shot my horse because his nose 
was running." Didn't mind the army, but disliked the whistle 
of shells. 

IVIartin, Robert E. 

A big fellow who came to us late in the game, but in spite of 
his short experience a good soldier. 

Martinson, John A. 

The Hanley mixologist. " Come seven, five franc limit." A 
good cook. 



Martinez, Julian 



A good hombre. A strong man on the ammunition detail 
doing great work lugging shells. Very quiet indeed. 



[193] 



McCabe, Ch.\eles p. 

A heavy driver who took up horses on coming from the 
C. A. C. Like ull the Coast men he proved a good soldier and 
a welcome addition to our organization. 

McCaffrey, Frank E. 

Mail Orderly, cannoneer, s])are driver, and K. P. A regular 
old trusty. Mac could be relied upon for almost any kind 
of a job that came along, and you could be satisfied that when 
it was done it was well done. 

McCarthy, Henry W.— "Mac" 

The boss of all the 6 x 3 details. The only man outside of 
Napoleon known as ''the little corporal." Like Napoleon he 
was most efl&cient and a good soldier. His knowledge of police 
duty was equal to his knowledge of five franc Vinegar Blinck. 

McCuLLOUGH, Charles E.— "Tim Toolin" 

The champion of the day. "Will three eggs do you for 
breakfast." A happy go lucky sort of an individual and a 
heluva good fellow. At his best when handing out chow to the 
mess hounds. Suffered from thirsty-itis. 

McCuLLEY, Charley. "Young Un" 

The lonesome boy from Mississij)i)i. A great big fellow 
who assisted in the kitchen. Not much known, but under a 
quiet exterior he had a very likeable disposition. 

McKain, Loring. 

The rather small and rather quiet Lieutenant from the 
regulars. Suppose that is why we almost forgot him. A good 
drill master and a regular fellow. 

McLaxtghlin, Bernard J. 

Barney left us for Plattsburg, and we were truly sorry to 
lose him, for he had the makings of a very popular and efficient 
non-com. for B Battery, and that kind of men are always 
needed. 

[ 194 ] 



McLeod, Norman D. 

From our Senior ist Lieutenant to Battalion Commander. 
A very popular officer at all times. As Regimental Adjutant 
he never forgot Battery B. Also came back as commander for 
a short time. One of the few National Guard Officers whom 
we were able to retain from start to finish. 

McRae, Donald 

Short in stature, short in stay. Left to be a 2nd Lieutenant 
via Plattsburgh, and we don't know what became of him after 
that. 

Melarkey, Joseph F. 

His war experiences made him a fitting candidate for Pro- 
hibition Enforcement Agent in Rhode Island. Went to the 
Supply Company and worked hard getting out the grub, so 
that he was always really working for the outfit. Feverish 
at all times his thirst was never quenched. 

Melvin, Ernest S.— "Ike" "Chips" 

"Poor old Ike." ''Take that cannon off my foot." "He's 
a good fellow is Jawn." The original hard luck man, put his 
foot under a gun, and than had a caisson run over his hand. 
John Garret's helpmate. "Oh, Melvin, bring me a bottle of 
champagne, and Melvin, don't forget the change, will you." 

Metcalf, Ernest T. H. 

The biggest man, and the greatest kidder in the A. E. F. 
He had most of us guessing for fair, but under an exterior that 
was most difficult to penetrate lay a genuine interest and 
affection for the men who ser\'ed under him. Beat us across 
by many weeks, and was many bottles ahead of us when we 
landed. (We never caught up until he left us.) 

Miller, Benjamin W. — "Big Ben" 

Broke the record for the long distance plunge at Rangeval. 
Pluck and Luck series for boys. "From Picket line to Field 
Range." Please furnish recipe for spaghetti a la Miller. After 
all a bear of a cook. 

[195] 



Mitchell, Reuben J. — "Reub" 

Formerly of the Scully line barge "Sarie Ann," and Capt. of 
mud scow " Mary Lou." A cook of value who could make hash 
and flapjacks without a cook book. A woman hater and pro- 
hibitionist from the very first. 

Monte, William A. — "Private Monte of the A. E. F." 

A good driver and somewhat of a cook, as the O. P. gang at 
St. Mihiel will assert. He enjoyed some strenuous moments in 
his folding cook shack. 

Morris Harry. 

Lieutenant Hickey's assistant. His knowledge of French 
made him a valuable purchasing agent. 

Morris, X\mes I. "Diaz." 

"Morris — I command you to trot." The slow young can- 
noneer of the first section. He never hurried in his life. How- 
ever, like most men who take their time he generally got there. 

Moreau, Louis J. 

The States went dry so he went to the MP'S. A valuable 
horseshoer with wide experience. Battery B was lucky to 
have his experience in this line. 

MouLTON, Charles H. — "Chuck"— "Little Lead" 

The smallest man in the Battery but small in stature only. 
He went big with the boys. Did keen work at Seicheprey. 
A great pal of Carl Short. The two "cleaned up" Leugley, 

MuiR, John P. 

As a driver he was always on deck, and right here our in- 
formation stops. Those quiet chaps could hardly be heard in 
the midst of the din we noisy ones made. A worker and not 
a mess hound — there's something to think about. 

[190 J 



Nance, Herbert W. 

"Hey, Dominick, blow taps for me, will you?" Like all the 
Middle Western boys he knew the game and held his end up 
with the best of them. 

Needham, Edgar — "Enry the Eighth, I am" 

'Enry the eighth, I am." Another good cannoneer. Hav- 
ing learned to shout "H'over," at a young age, it was no 
wonder he was one of our best "footballers." 

Nelson, George O. 

The other business man. Also a kitchen spy. A great 
man with hammer and saw. "Latrines made while you 
wait." A hard worker. 

Nevins, J. Benjamin 

Benny was a B Battery man, although he had many jobs in 
the regiment ending up with the M. T. C. Finally got his 
commission and it certainly was deserved. 

Nichols, Glide K. 

He of the classical features and imperial French moustache. 
"The chocolate soldier," or "The orchestra's mascot." Nick 
was Mac's assistant and then took the supply job. How a 
man could keep smiling then was beyond us — but Nick did. 
Guess you had the right stuff, Nick. 

O'Connor, Hugh— "Rhode Island Red"— "Our Hughie" 

The little red top from the corner of Broadway. Bright and 
brainy — but he preferred a slide rule to good liquor. Youth 
is a fault we all outgrow. After all is said, — a good scout. 

Oden, Lloyd A.— "Blinky Olaf" the pride of Stockholm. 

Nothing phased him, not even Metcalf. A good hearted 
chap; you were welcome to anything his friends possessed. A 
gunner of no mean ability, was Axel. Also plenty of ability 
for having a good time. That is why he was — our only lance 
corporal. 

[197] 



OKell, James E.— "Toothless" — "The BilHken Kid" or 
"Jack O'Lantern Jim" 

Used whale oil for a beverage. "Champagne goes to the 
head, use whale oil for de-feat," says Jim. A big linesman with 
beaucoup nerve, — strong as a bull and not afraid to use his 
strength. Jim was a good corporal. 

Olson, Carl G. 

Never said much except to ask cjuestions. But when it 
came to riding bucking horses, Carl won. Here was one boy 
who could really handle the "Chinese Flag." Also a bit of a 
"rivet king." 

Olson, Roy G. 

He didn't stay very long, so we didn't know him very well, 
but he looked like a shavetail who would have been a valuable 
addition to the outfit. 

O'Neil, Arthur R. 'Top'O'Neil! Shave!" 

The man who went in for light housekeeping on the Chateau- 
Thierry drive. A cook who could really make pastry. Seems 
that he once guarded a wine cellar at Pontvallain. 



r> 



Ormlston, Percy B. 

Between bunk fatigue and hospital life he was kept quite 
busy. Hated a game of draw, but was never known to pass up 
a game — with his fifty franc note. But he worked when it was 
needed and gave a good account of himself. 

Parpenteau, Octave J. 

He scattered slum our way at Vicq. Served as a cannoneer 
through the war and well he knows the weight of a shell. 
Finally became the driver of a camouflaged, "galloping Dodge," 
and made up for some of his hard working days. 

Paterson, Andrew M. 

"You flatter me. Doctor Hascall." He chased all over 
France to join B Battery and his brother, and we'er all glad he 
came. 

I 198 J 



Paterson, George G.— "Pat" 

One of the best ball players in the regiment. He did his 
work without talking about it — and then forgot it. "Well, 
sure, I'd sit in for a little while." "He does well," says Steve. 

Peck, Joseph J.— "Pekker" 

He looks like N. Bergan. Which is which? Only Steve 
Knowles could tell. Had a lot of rough luck, but reached 
Devens with us all right. 

Perkins, Faelton C— "Perky" 

A regular Houdini at escaping drill. He and Ray had the 
same ideas about the Army and they could usually be found 
carrying out those ideas. Whatever "Perk" did, he smiled — 
the smile that won him friends and kept them. He tried many 
jobs, driving "Haigh & Haigh," anti-tanking, tanking, mail 
orderly, and cannoneer. "Do what you have to, and don't 
worry," was his motto. 

Phinney, Harold T.— "Pete" 

Chief of the Second section and later a Lieutenant. A 
regular fellow for sure. No chief of section was ever more 
popular with his men. A thorough going good soldier through- 
out the war, he earned and well deserved his commission. 

Pillar, Charles G.— "Uncle" 

Let it be here said that he was some horseshoer. He could 
make a horseshoe out of a karo can. His dry Connecticut 
humor was always amusing. The man who almost brought 
down a plane. (What kind?) Loves mules. Says he, "Its 
a turrible waste of good liquor." 

Pitt, Frank 

In the culinary department he had no equal. Could do 
more with ringboned and spavined beef than any chef in the 
A. E. F. Although sarcastic and impulsive, his friends, and 
they were many, swear by him. 

[199] 



Plant, Albert 

Five feet seven inches of empty stomach. One of the many- 
carrying the sobriquet of " Jickey." Some kicker — at football 
of course. Also a kitchen spy. A good chap except at mess 
time. 

PONCELET, Arthur L.— ''Creeper"— "Greek" 

As driver of the fourgon he did fine work. His nightly dash 
with the "four whites" would make a Wild West Show stage 
coach look sick. His horses were always immaculately 
groomed. Luckier than Girvan. 

Prefontaine, George J.— "Jump o' the Brook" 

Nicked again at Chateau Thierry. How many wound 
stripes now? A good interpreter. 

Priest, Charles E. 

The old saw, "Like father, like son," knocked in the head. 
Mr. Priest, Sr. was a General. Charlie brought good cheer 
to us more than once as our olhcial postman. Also served as a 
snappy driver and as machine gunner with Baron Allbee. 

Racicot, Arthur — "Louis Moreau's Orderly" 

Robillard's side kick and fellow bootlegger. Always ready 
to help us out. Handy man with the nags. 

Ramsay, Lawrence M. 

A much liked officer whom we would have liked to have had 
with us at all times. A man of rare understanding he took us 
by storm and held high favor with every one. Did much to 
promote athletics in the Battery, 

Rather, Howard C. 

A Lieutenant inclined to be stout. We didn't have him 
very long. He tried hard to do everything expected of a 
Shavetail, and it worked out well in the end. 

[ 200] 



Redfern, Thomas N.— "Shortlip"— "Tom"— "T. N." 

Responded amiably to the call of the "Chinese Sergeant." 
"Tenth section, three men absent." He never grew up. Tom 
was a hounder for rumors, especially the gloomy ones, but he 
didn't believe them at that. A good scout all around, and a 
popular young man with the boys. 

Remington, Frederick A. 

Served a lot of time in hospitals throughout the A. E. F. 
A good cannoneer while among us, and a hard worker. The 
third section was his hang-out. 

Richardson, James— "Jimmy" 

A quiet likable fellow was Jimmy. An all around worker 
and always on the job. 

Richardson, Justin B.— "Richy" 

Drummond's pal. A real honest to goodness soldier in 
spite of all obstacles. Knew more about guns than Old Man 
Howitzer himself and proved it all the way through. Also a 
master of foot drill and the manual of arms. One of the few 
men who still maintain that crossing the ocean was worse than 
the channel. 

Roberts, Alfred— "Alf" 

"H'over, 'Eads up." One of our best young kickers. A 
slight red-headed chap, full of the vigor of life, which he en- 
joyed to its fullest extent. As a cannoneer of the second 
section, he was even better than as a soccer player, and that is 
some recommendation. 

Roberts, Simeon— "Simmy" 

" What's h'up, Sim ? " "A bloody 'orse is down, that's 
what's h'up." Simmy held the same views on Prohibition as 
Tully. " H'avez vous vin blanc, madam? " A bit of a boxer, 
but where he really performed was seated jauntily on a pair of 
old plugs. A mighty good driver. 

[201] 



RoBTLLARD, WiLLiAM— "Rubberset" 

The man with the "gimmes." Most of the boys had a fi;ood 
passage on the Baltic, but Robby "pas de tout." 

Robinson, Thomas L. 

Lieutenant Robinson was with us but a short while in the 
Toul Sector, but he made friends on every hand. Displayed 
real nerve at Bryan I. We mourned him as lost at sea on the 
way home, but were glad to learn that he came smilingly 
through as usual. 

Rollins, Francis W. 

" Roily " left us for Plattsburgh, and rose to the rank of 
Captain of Artillery, proving his real worth, for he was a good 
soldier. 

Ross, Myron 

The Middle West sent him to us, and we thereby gained 
heavily. Quiet, a good scout and a hard worker. 

RijERAT, Jules 

"Ruerat absent again." Can dig a six-by-three with no 
means of measuring. "Practice makes perfect," says he. 
Jules was all right at that, and he certainly did his best to lick 
the Army. 

Russell, John F.— "Jack" 

"His Eminence." A well known young man. One of our 
best at all times. To be seen pushing along a mangy pair of 
lead horses. Awarded the O. D. V. for distinguished service. 
His numberless friends swear by him. Like McCarthy, he had 
a terrible thirst. 

Ryt.ey, Norris W. 

For a long while some of the boys were inclined to razz 
Norris, but he showed that he had the "guts" at the Davis 
position. Volunteered twice to go around "Dead Man's 
Curve" for ambulances. That's a recommendation for any 
man. 

[ 202 1 



Sanville, Albert 



"Let's go, one for me and one for the tape." Sandy always 
drove something, either a horse or a motorcycle. Even tried 
to be a bugler without much success and changed back to 
driver for the good of the service. 



Seamans, Louis H. 



A former wearer of hair pants. He sports a natty mustache 
and can handle a wheel team to perfection. 



Sheldon, William 



The master of the Ooom-pah horn. Blew into the band on 
the great big horn. A genial soul and exceedingly popular 
wherever he went. Probably it was because he could play 
anything from the piano to bridge, and sing and tell a story as 
well. 



Sheridan, Royal F. 



"Wet wash, 35c a basket. Intimate apparel a specialty." 
As an indefatigable worker he "leads." A bit pessimistic, 
but a good scout withal. 



Sherman, Elmer R. 



Another of those quiet birds. With his rifle he performed 
well on that memorable morning of April 20th. A veritable 
Sphinx. One who said little and did a great deal. A real 
soldier. 



Short, Carleton W. 



A lover of African golf. Paris looked better than three 
stripes. Good nature is his strong point. Come easy, go easy. 
The man whose friends were a multitude. One of the promi- 
nent members of "Perkins' Pontvallain drill-duckers." 



Simmons, Toni' M. 



Acting Corporal of the Guard of the Fourth rehef. Also a 
horseshoer, at least he was listed on the pay-roll as such. A 
sort of Questionnaire. 

[ 203 ] 



SissoN, Fred R.— 'Chippy" 

Any September Morn looks j^ood to this youiijf artist. From 
till' t'ountry, quiet and easy goino;, a driver from start to finish 
and A No. i we rise to state. With a brush — well, just look 
through this book. 

SiTEMAN, John H. 

1'h(' first To]) Cutter of the Battery. Received his bars 
(and patronized many.) One of our most efficient officers. 
Strict, but always fair, and therefore popular. 

Smith, Lincoln B.— "Link" 

Good natured and a very good man with the long faced 
brutes. Do you remember Mandres, Link? One of our most 
poi)ular caisson corporals. 

SouzA, Joseph F. 

'I'he Globe Trotter. Fox Point to Norfolk and return, 
lion voyage. The vociferous t^'jic. Troubled with his ears. 
"Whistling shells aggravates the complaint," says he. A 
likeable lad, who swung a mean pair of dice. 

Sponholz, Alb]]rt H. 

A nice little fellow whom we were glad to know. Showed 
marked interest in the outfit. Visited Pro\-idence and liked 
our town. 

Stansbury, Fra^k— "Santa Claus" 

The Canfield of the Battery. ''Time for me to go on guard 
now." As a workt-r he e(|ualled his record as a pokerist. 

Stewart, Carroj.l C. 

Drove along with us right through. One of Harrison's 
victims. A good scout even if he was a rumor hound. Helped 
to keep the Battery in front in athletics. 

[ 204] 



St. Petp:r, John— "The Garrulous Frenchman" 

"Salt Peter" was jockey on the Jam and I'oultry wagon. 
"Pete" orderlied and gas guarded throughout the war, and at 
intervals was sort of a wet goods merchant for us all. 

Staples, Robert L.— "Bob" 

Left us early at Coetquidan to be a Regular. Lieutenant in 
the 6th Field Artillery. A fine fellow, and his rapid advance 
proved that he was there. 

Strom, William R. 

A pinch hitter for Louis Moreau. Made the anvil ring with 
two frankers. Easy to get along with, he made many friends. 

Sturges, Rush 

Unfortunately Lt. Sturges was not allowed to stay with us. 
Left us to become a Captain of Ordnance. A square deal was 
always assured when Rush had anything to do with it. Well 
liked by all the men of the Battery. 

Tate, George H.— "Joe Gans" 

A very popular cannoneer. Worked hard and continuously. 
His section would have missed him sorely, and so would many 
more of us, for his ready grin was never missing in spite of any- 
thing that might happen. 

Tedeschi, Domenico 

"Make a little whistle Domenic." The Garibaldi of the 
Battery. A typical Italian patriot. A former engineer in the 
Italian Army and one with whom Doc Cook and Baron Mun- 
chausen could not cope. 

Thorndyke, Don C. "Don Throckmorton " 

"Now you whoa." "See what hardtack did to me!" Left 
the Battery for Headquarters Company. A bit young in 
years and in experience, but a good worker and a likeable lad. 

[205] 



TlLLINC.HAST, WiLLIAM B.— Tilly" 

Little known, occasionally neglects sick call for football. 
Tilly was a driver for the third section. Football and base- 
ball player extraordinary, and like all good soldiers, ready to 
drill if he had to. 

ToMiCH, Makko 

A native son of the Golden Gale. Paul Holland's orderly. 
"He was a bit of all right, was Marko." 

Toll, Erk^ 0.-"McFlubbin"— "Ozzie" 

llie analytical member of the Detail. One of the Grunters. 
"Here's my head, etc." One of the three men peq^etually 
absent at roll call. An all around specialist, telephone man, 
and observer; also good at camouflage (all kinds). The 
fastest dresser in the A. E. F., but was caught bare — handed at 
Coqui. 

Trela, Wladyslaw— "Tarantula" 

Always to be found in a heated argument with Baltaza. 
Worked hard on the ammunition detail. Always ready to 
pick uj) a few francs. 

Trouve, John V. 

"Iodine Johnny." A real frientl to the underfed and mangy 
cheveaux. Worked hard to alleviate their suffering. A horse- 
man of real ability himself he could not understand poor 
horsemanship. Rather hasty at times, but his heart was in 
the right place. The main reason why B Battery horses stood 
the test so well. 

Tufenkjian, Ohannes— "John No Knees" 

Didn't know much about the Army and cared less. The 
sick book always found him a faithful serxant. Poor "John 
No-knees," he luid piles of trouble. "I think I be sick like 
Lippold." 

[206] 



TuLLY, Vincent G.— "Tull" 

One hundred and twenty pounds of good fellow. Old iron 
legs. The staunchest advocate of prohibition in the Battery. 
One of our best drivers, a really dependable fellow in spite of 
his seeming nonchalance. 

Vincent, James— "Ted's Orderly" 

A breezy Westerner, who drove on the Park wagon for Ted 
Howell. "These yere bosses is different from cow ponies." 
A friendly man, he made friends. 

Walling, El wood W. 

"Notorious famine." Another driver who swung a wicked 
grooming kit. Always on the job. His work was com- 
mendable. 

Walsh, Raymond J. 

Left us to be a Lieutenant via Plattsburgh. A good man and 
thoroughly likeable, we were sorry to lose him. 

Watson, Louis A.— "Gum Drops" 

A new addition to the K. of C. Speaks Hog Latin with 
remarkable fluency. A member of the Fourth Section; that 
is sufficient recommendation A cannoneer and a weeper of a 
good one. 

Watson, William A.— "Sliding Billy" 

One of "Jocko's" best assistants. He even survived him. 
Of course he also did other things, such as licking the Army 
with the Special detail. Still Bill was one of the best boys that 
ever dashed off a guard list on the old Corona. He should 
have been in better business. 

West, R_\ymond B. 

Smiles, sunshine and song. A dynamo of optimism. A 
valuable asset to the Special Detail. As an entertainer we are 
indebted to him. Another Grunter. 

[ 207] 



WiiEAi\ Renville 

Sometimes known as " Re\eille." Came to us at Coetquidan 
witli tin- official issue of IMattsburjrh officers. For a while we 
thought he was going to be O. !)., hut we soon found him to be 
a regular fellow. The Seicheprey fight deprived us of his 
services, but during that engagement he brought credit to 
himself and the organization. 

White. Jeremiah F.— "Pat" 

lie never said a word at home or abroad, but his smile spoke 
many words. As broad as his full round face, it was worth 
a lot to see him grin. A hard working cannoneer of no mean 
ability. 

Whitmarsh, Henry A.— "Pop" 

Sort of a general banker, at least he always had "jack." 
Looked the Battery over, tried out as a cook, and then went 
to the "ninety-fives." After that he went to Paris as a 
machinist. We'll bet he a]~)preciate(l the big ville! 

WiETHOLDER, FRANK H. 

Ne\er made noise enough to be well known. Never neglected 
his job, and that speaks well for any man. 

Wilkinson, Percy C— "Wilkie" 

The boy cori)()ral with the face of a cherubim. "Wilkie" 
stuck to the guns from start to finish, and we hereby stand up 
on a caisson and announce to the whole wide world, that he 
was some gunner and some soldier. Also one of "our artists." 

WiNSOR, Howard F. 

A good driver and a good fellow. Had many friends in the 
outfit. Never shirked his job. A heavy mess kit swinger. 

[ ^08 ] 



Wolf, Walter S. 

A peculiar sort of duck until you i<now him. One of our best 
faultfinders. Still swings a wicked empty mcsskit in spite of 
his verwundeten arm. I'^amous for night riding at Coet(|ui- 
dan. One whom a friend could always depend upon. 

Wood, Forrest E.— "Forrest Evergreen" 

"Three cheers for 47." Rennes j)apers ])lease copy. Vive 
le Pinard. I 'ay day is Woody 's holiday. One (;f the best 
workers in the Battery and well liked. 

Woodman SEE, Walter M. 

A man of very few words. We suspect that he must have 
been in love. A driver in the Fifth Section who performed 
very well indeed. Also a bit of a K. P. 

WUKANOVITCH, PeROVAN 

A (juiet sort of a chaj), but he knew work by its first name. 
Familiar with it from long association, he never laid down on a 
job. 

Young, Merle S.— "The Attleboro Son" 

The Third Section would have been a ])oint shy without 
Merle to help man the gun. Took the army fjuite seriously, 
but we will say this, that it never had him licked so that he 
couldn't smile. 



[ 209] 



^ 



m 



m 



fictoml 



B 




m 



m. 



iinyiiiiiiiyiuii 




I* 



^i^-^thAk''*^'.-^ .. 



^ 



Ksm 



l <iiii|i (it <.>U'"tfir I. 



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4I|1 




Tin- I .11.1 ..I lt,illil\ Stlrel. (,llc>llni-l. 



l-'i-"l 












^ »\%%\ I )i \\\ n I '><J"nn«- 



[ 213 1 




*'^' .;»;•. 







Off for a Dip at Quonset. 




■1 




w 



The Flood of Officers' Quarters at Quonset. 



[2I4I 




Breaking Camp at Quonset. 



[215] 




Boxford, Mass. 




First Morning at Boxford. 



\21(>] 




Tough Days at Boxford. 



"^^tsb 









''-^■^^■. 




Combat Train, Boxford. 



[-'I7] 




A Lazy Day at Boxford. 








Battery B Street. Boxford, Mass. 



[ 2lS 






I, 



A'^ 



\ 




fee. 



1 4 



Waiting for Inspection at Boxford. 



■— liimiii ill ' — 




Last Line-up at Boxford. 



[219 



■iiiMBI 




Halifax Harbor — British Submarine. 



Halifax Harbor. 



MHMm^< 









[ 220] 




' Convoy on Way Over' 







3.030 Loundrymen Enroute to Build Roads. 



[221] 




r-*i:; kt 




All Preserved — Ray West on Baltic. 




■Rest" Camp at Le Havre. 




Battery Street — Camp de Coetquidan. 




*«g&- 



■■Y*^^*i«^^?^l 




mai^^ 



Battery Street at Coetquidan. 



[223] 




I'ulting on the Iced Bag. Coetquidan. 




The Battle of Combien, at Guer. 



I 224 




Washing the Soldiers' Clothes at Coetquidan. 






*.-£"! 



V^4S^ 




^V/ i^*H,-*.'', 



Cent Cinquante Cinqs on Range at Coetquidan. 



[225] 




Firing Range at Coetquidan. 




On Range, Coetquidan. 



[ 226 1 




Gun Dril 









Range Guard at Coetquidan. 




[227] 



I 






^ 




-«w«tl^ 






Stables at Coetquidan. 




Infirmary, Camp de Coetquidan. 



228] 




Xmas Mail at Coetquidan. 



1275 Rennes. La P!ac: J4U Miislon et U Gare dcs TraiM*'ii'» d^'parKmentauK 




f -. -r. 






1.x iX 








Our Play Ground while at Coetquidan. 



f 229] 




Soissons, Looking Down. 




Chateau at Bucy le Long, Echelon. 



230] 




Gun Position at Banc de Pierre. 



[231] 




No. 3 Gun Pit at Banc de Pierre. 




CunimunicaLiun I rencli li^nlraiuc, C heinin-dcH-Oanies. 



[ 232 ] 




Ruins at So 




Signal Station at So 



[233] 




4 



i 



f 











Coucy le Chateau. 



A- 







1 1 i:ii' Jk^Ii^^^ 




Coucy le Chateau. 



[234] 




Major Chaffee and Lieut. Stark at Bane de Pierr 



[235] 




French Cemetery at Chemin-des-Dames. 




Ruins Outside of Soissons. 



[ 236 ] 




Over the Hills, No Man's Land at So 



[ 2,37 ] 





2nd and 3rd Section Billet at La Rothiere. 




La Rothiere. 



[ 238 ] 



/////. :Aube) - LEglist (Vitrnui do xvi- S'ide) 




' I'-Ol. i, Xi,-1- 



K ir;.Ie>, p'u'l , tifii->a»--V( 



Where We All Went to Church. Palm Sunday. April. 1918. 



THIL (Aobe) - Hotel F. Piot 




On the Way to Toul. 



[239] 




On the Hike to Toul. 



[240] 




Road March to Toul Sector. 




Just Hanging Around, Blanchville. 



[241] 




Lucey, Northwest of Toul. 




Watering Place. La Rothiere. 



[242] 




Rangeval. 




Monastery at Rangeval. 



[243] 




Kitchen at Rangeval 




Major G. T. Hanley. Major H. R. Barker 



[ 244 




. r- 






Battery B Ball Team Working Out at Rangeval. 



J^|3^:^ 




Animal Procession at Corneville. 



[245] 




.****^' 



Mandres. Showing Battalion Headquarters. 



[246 




Battalion.Headquarters at Mandres. 




O. T. 43, Beaumont — ^Ambrose F. Churchill on the Glass. 



[247] 




Ruins at Beaumont. 





Beaumont. 



[ hs ] 







>' 







'iV 



.V 






■ .'i 






l'^..i^!*i;4 



Dead Man's Curve, Toul Sector 




95 MM. Guns Used in Toul Sector. 



[249] 




Third Section Gun Pit at 95's after April 20th, 1918. 




Dugout at 95's, Northwest of Toul. 



[250 




Bryan I, Showing Dugout where Fred Harmon was Killed. 




Bryan I. 



[251] 




Bryan I. 





Captain Hanley's Dugout at Bryan I. 




[252] 




CQ 



CC 




[253] 





No. I Gun at Bryan I. 



[ 254 ] 




No. I Gun at Bryan_l. 




1st Gun Crew. Bryan I. 



f 255 ] 




Bryan I, After Things Happened. 




A Masquerade Party, Second Gun Crew at Bryan I. 



[256] 




•Little Rhody." at Bryan I.— One of our Cap pistols at rest. 




No. 2 Dugout at Bryan I. 



[^57] 




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Battery Positions at Bryan I. 




After Shelling. Bryan I. 



259] 



■*«■--- iti 



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.sw***:-. 



Sta^'fe 









No. 2 Gun Pit, Bryan I. 




No. 2 Gun Pit. Bryan I. 



[ 260 




E 

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[261] 




. ■ .w«i»;VJK'f 









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Powder Abri, After Heavy Shelling, Bryan I. 




Bryan I, Showing Narrow Gauge Tracks Over which Ammunition was Carried. 



[262 ] 




Concealed Gun Pit at Bryan I. 




Bryan I After a Rough Day. 



[263] 




Gun Position No. I, Bryan I. 













Conference of Officers at Bryan 11. 



264 




1 "j^^ 



Gun Pit. Bryan II. 




Gun Crew at Bryan II. 



[265] 




Officers' Mess. Beaumont. Lieut. Churchill at Left. 



it^ --.^^'^sfldfe 




Rolling into Seichprey. 



?66] 




Looking Across Mt. Sec. Showing Cemetery on which We Used to Register. 



Environs it Toul. - GYE. • La Laiicrte 




IMin« I. U6at ■ lifii 



Wealth of Town, as Exhibited at Gye. 



[267] 




Mandres. 




A Camouflaged Position. 



[268] 




[269] 




"Some" Ammunition. 



[-'7o] 




Chateau Thierry from the Air. 




La Ferte Sous Jouarre, Echelon. 



[271] 




^^%^l 




s^ 



"Parked" at La Ferte. 




Outside of Citry. 



[272] 




Ruined Town on Chateau Thierry Drive. 







Through Sergy on Chateau Thierry Drive. 



[273] 






:^sr"«.-;'v.^t"'-"^.'i'j 




Birds-Eye View of Veaux. 




» VMii^i^i^vidr^nn.« ^ «''«.*v 



French Cavalry, 2nd Battle of Muiiic. 15i auvtiidcs. 



[274] 




Big Bertha Emplacement. 




On Chateau Thierry Drive. 



[-'75] 







> 

3 
(0 

u 
OQ 



a 
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[276] 




At Rest, Leugley. 




-"^^m^ 



Gun Park, Leugley. 



[277] 




[^Machine Gun]^Instruction atLeugley. 




Mess Time, Leugley. 



[27S] 




Outside of Leugley. 




At the Front, St. Mihiel. 



279] 




Morilly. Before St. Mihiel Drive. 




Building Gun Pits at St. Remy. 



280] 




A Mud Hole on Plains at St. Mihiel. 






^^ 








« 




^1 



». •< »■ 



.!:^i 



X 



Trenches at St. Mihiel. 



[2S1] 



■i^^% 




German Dugouts at St. Mihiel 







;-« 



?:r ■•'" M-r-'T-- - J^J^^ if^^'c^ ^'"-v^"-.- 







After thf Advance St. Mihiel. 



[282] 




"Cannoneers on Wheels" — Verdun. 



'^H 




Flag Raising at 103rd Infirmary at 1 1 o'clock, November I I, 1918, Verdun. 



[2S3] 






The Main Stem, Vicq. Haute Marne. 



LE BLANC - l.a f.are 




Le Blanc — La Gare. 



[284] 




.>«.^» 










Leaving Brest — Sorry V 




Merchants Limited, Parlor Chairs Only. 



2S5] 





tie 

c 






c 
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a. 



< 



[ 286 ] 




T^: 



Observation Car, to Brest. 



^ '^''' \\^|iPMiip> 




Va. 'V 






/ 



-* ->«^ , *' 




Going on Board Mongolia. 



[287] 




On the Mongolia. 




Starboard Gun — ^Transport Mongolia. 



[ 28S 




" Almost Home " — Boston Harbor. 








Mongolia Entering Boston Harbor. 



[289] 








A "Tough Gang" at Camp Devens. 



•■• -.f^ 




Our Boys at Cani[> Dcvcns. 



[290] 



'T*HE Battery wishes to acknowledge its thanks to the 
State and to the following men, who, through their 
financial assistance, have made the publication of this 
book possible. 



Aldrich, Richard S. 
Beeckman, R. Livingston 
Canning, John E. 
Carter, Patrick 
Chaffee, E. St. John 
Coats, Alfred M. 
Dart, William C 
Gainer Joseph H. 
Gerry Peter G. 
goddard, r. h. i. 
Hanley, Gerald T. 
Harris, Stephen C. 
Keefe, John W. 
LiPPiTT, H. F. 
MacAllister, E. W. 
MacLeod, F. N. 
Metcalf, I. H. 
Payne, J. Milton 
Peck, F. S. 
Potter, Alfred K. 
Rathom, John R. 
Rhodes, Edward S. 
Rhodes, Thomas H. 
Richmond, Frank E. 
Samuels, Leon 
San Souci, Emery J. 
Shepley, George L. 
Taft, Robert W. 
Viall, William A. 
White, J. I. 



(320 935 624 7 



